http://www.blogtalkradio.com/yardieskepticsA lively talk show dealing with themes of skepticism, critical thinking, science, secularism, and public affairs from the perspective of two Jamaican "Yardies": Clive Forrester and Hilaire Sobers. enBlogTalkRadio.com. All Rights Reserved.Sat, 15 Jun 2019 08:00:00 GMTSun, 29 Jan 2017 17:30:00 GMTEducationBlogTalkRadio Feed v2.0https://dasg7xwmldix6.cloudfront.net/hostpics/b3f32cb1-5b8e-4d23-a32c-9875b268f460_island_pic.jpghttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/yardieskepticsA lively talk show dealing with themes of skepticism, critical thinking, science, secularism, and public affairs from the perspective of two Jamaican "Yardies": Clive Forrester and Hilaire Sobers. feeds@blogtalkradio.comBlogTalkRadio.comeducation,skepticism,atheism,critical thinking,jamaican,secularism,jamaica,religion,caribbean,childrenYardie SkepticsnoA lively talk show dealing with themes of skepticism, critical thinking, science, secularism, and public affairs from the perspective of two Jamaican "Yardies":episodichttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/yardieskeptics/2017/01/29/ys-radio-s04-ep13-season-finale-church-stateEducationhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/yardieskeptics/2017/01/29/ys-radio-s04-ep13-season-finale-church-state/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/yardieskeptics/2017/01/29/ys-radio-s04-ep13-season-finale-church-stateSun, 29 Jan 2017 17:30:00 GMTYS Radio (S.04, ep.13) Season Finale: Church & StateIt's a wrap, folks! The Yardie Skeptics are leaving the building after yet another riveting season batting for reason and skepticism over the past few months. Thank you for your support!  Needless to say, we're going out guns blazing!  We turn our attention to that impenetrable wall between church and state. In the case of some states, like Jamaica, this wall is more like a sieve, where the distinction between the two is blurred. Does it have to be like this? Can the state operate in a context without being influenced, derailed, or hijacked by the actions of the church? Or must we in Jamaica get used to parliament being a part time revival tent?  Join us in this discussion along with featured guest Dr. Latoya Lazarus of the Sir Arthur Lewis Institute of Social and Economic Studies UWI, Cave Hill, who published an article entitled; "Religion and rights: Is there still room for Christianity at the table?" If that wasn't enough, we'll also be joined by veteran Jamaican journalist and champion Christian apologist Ian Boyne, whose recent article in the Gleaner, "Sin, Sex, and the Church" warned the church that it needs to "wake up!"  But hold the press! We still have more... a general in the #TambourineArmy will be with us none other than the firebrand Stella Gibson, who has been hurling brimstone boulders at the Moravian church in Jamaica after the sex scandal dropped earlier this year. Will her advocacy finally be the catalyst to change the rape culture in Jamaica's churches, or will her fiery social media persona ultimately raze the movement before it even gets off the ground?   02:01:00Yardie SkepticsnoChurch,State,Religion,Sexuality,Sex abuseDiscussion on religion, the state and sexualityhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/yardieskeptics/2017/01/22/ys-radio-s04-ep12-the-church-rape-culture-pt2-solutionsEducationhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/yardieskeptics/2017/01/22/ys-radio-s04-ep12-the-church-rape-culture-pt2-solutions/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/yardieskeptics/2017/01/22/ys-radio-s04-ep12-the-church-rape-culture-pt2-solutionsSun, 22 Jan 2017 17:30:00 GMTYS Radio (S04, ep12): The Church & Rape Culture pt.2 SolutionsThe Yardie Skeptics are back this Sunday, January 22 at 12:30pm EST to conclude our discussion on the church and rape culture. The social media outrage surrounding the Moravian church sex scandal is still scorching hot even as the story has lost some traction in traditional media. Is there a risk of this being a nine-day wonder or will Jamaicans finally seize the moment for a revolutionary change in attitudes towards sexual violence?   Joining us live on air will be Jamaican academic Nicole Cameron, PhD candidate in health communication at the Washington State University. She and her coauthors recently wrote a paper in which they argue that exposure to sexualized images of women in the media desensitizes bystanders from intervening in acts of sexual agression towards women. We've always suspected this to be the case, now we have the data to support it! Don't miss this episode! as we turn our attention to possible solutions!     02:04:00Yardie Skepticsnosecularism,rape culture,jamaica,church,atheismPublic discussion on the church and rape culture and sexual abusehttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/yardieskeptics/2017/01/15/yardie-skeptics-s04-ep11-the-church-rape-cultureEducationhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/yardieskeptics/2017/01/15/yardie-skeptics-s04-ep11-the-church-rape-culture/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/yardieskeptics/2017/01/15/yardie-skeptics-s04-ep11-the-church-rape-cultureSun, 15 Jan 2017 17:30:00 GMTYardie Skeptics (S.04, ep.11): The Church & Rape Culture DISGRACE!! After the bombshell news that 62-year-old pastor at Nazareth Moravian Church in Jamaica, Rupert Clarke, was caught in a sexually compromising position with a minor in the community, the entire island has been split down the middle with those who are calling for a total overhaul of the way the church operates and those who want compassion for the accused rapist. The fallout from the incident continues to deepen as evidence of a cover-up by church leadership has emerged as well as suggestions that the Rev. Clarke has had sexual relations with other girls in the SAME family while they were minors!! Tek di wheel!! You don't want to miss this Sunday's episode as the Yardie Skeptics return for just a few more episodes to close out Season 4. Join us on Sunday, January 15th at 12:30pm EST and share your views and on what has been an ongoing attempt to directly and indirectly maintain the culture of sexual abuse inside the church.  Joining us live on air will be Dr. Michael Abrahams, OBGYN and convenor of the Save our Children campaign and Taitu Heron, women's advocate and gender researcher.  02:01:00Yardie Skepticsnosecularism,church,rape culture,jamaica,atheismDISGRACE!! After the bombshell news that 62-year-old pastor at Nazareth Moravian Church in Jamaica, Rupert Clarke, was caught in a sexually compromising positihttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/yardieskeptics/2016/12/04/ys-radio-s04-ep10-lifeinleggingsEducationhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/yardieskeptics/2016/12/04/ys-radio-s04-ep10-lifeinleggings/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/yardieskeptics/2016/12/04/ys-radio-s04-ep10-lifeinleggingsSun, 04 Dec 2016 17:30:00 GMTYS Radio (S04, ep10): #lifeinleggings#lifeinleggings: Caribbean Women & Sexual Violence Not since the critically acclaimed Yardie Skeptics' sister network Air Me Now dealt with the topic of violence against women, have the Cool Dude and Fire Breather shone the light on the culture of sexual violence which affects and impacts Caribbean women from the cradle to the grave. Why are we, in 2016, still not fully ready to acknowledge and combat the spectre of sexual violence which terrorizes our Caribbean women and girls?  This Sunday, Dec. 4th at 12:30pm EST the Yardie Skeptics addresses #lifeinleggings which has been taking social media by storm over the past week and a half. Two brave women in Barbados decided to start the movement and create a space for Caribbean women of all ages and walks of life to share their stories of navigating and surviging the crushing culture of sexual violence pervasive throughout the Caribbean, and social media hasn't been the same since! You don't want to miss this episode folks - this is our final episode before our season break and it promises to be one for the records! Come out and share with us what it's like to live a #lifeinleggings.  Our special guests include: Risée Chaderton-Charles,Juliette Maughn, Mandy Cummins, Ronelle King, Arte Maria Clarke (Allyson Benn), Taitu Heron, and former Air Me Now panelist - Sharon Smith UPDATE: We will have an opening segment on Cuba after Castro featuring Donna Forde, Charge D'Affaires of the Barbado02:01:00Yardie SkepticsnoCaribbean women,sexual abuse,rights,patriarchy,power of voice#lifeinleggings: Caribbean Women & Sexual Violence Not since the critically acclaimed Yardie Skeptics' sister network Air Me Now dealt with the topic of violhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/yardieskeptics/2016/11/27/ys-radio-s04-ep09-men-and-intimacyEducationhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/yardieskeptics/2016/11/27/ys-radio-s04-ep09-men-and-intimacy/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/yardieskeptics/2016/11/27/ys-radio-s04-ep09-men-and-intimacySun, 27 Nov 2016 17:30:00 GMTYS Radio (S04, ep09): Men and Intimacy What's the deal with men and intimacy? Why are men's ideas about intimacy so divergent from the ideas that women possess? And, is intimacy really what we think it is?  Come get intimate with the Yardie Skeptics this Sunday, November 27th at 12:30pm EST as we pull on those masculine heart strings and get the low down on what's up with masculine ideas of intimacy. We already made two trips to the bedroom earlier this month, so perhaps what we need this time around is a little discourse, before the intercourse! Joining us live in studio will be: Dr. Peter Weller - clinical psychologist and founder of CARIMAN Owen "Blakka" Ellis - humourist, actor, and gender researcher Klyde Brooks - poet  To listen to any episode live, or catch the archived version afterwards, simply click the link below. Feel free to call in and share your views live on air or interact with other listeners in the live chatroom.  For a full list of ways to contact the Yardie Skeptics, click this link: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1EEyUtd44w3hT5dvu6sxuFYkKxZjlijbLdx04C2cfa6w/edit?usp=sharing "The home of the ackee of rationality and the saltfish of skepticism"? 02:01:00Yardie SkepticsnoMen,Love,Intimacy,Sex,WomenWhat's the deal with men and intimacy? Why are men's ideas about intimacy so divergent from the ideas that women possess? And, is intimacy really what we thinkhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/yardieskeptics/2016/11/20/ys-radio-s04-ep08-post-election-group-therapy-conclusionEducationhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/yardieskeptics/2016/11/20/ys-radio-s04-ep08-post-election-group-therapy-conclusion/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/yardieskeptics/2016/11/20/ys-radio-s04-ep08-post-election-group-therapy-conclusionSun, 20 Nov 2016 17:00:00 GMTYS Radio (S04, ep08): Post Election Group Therapy conclusionIt's starting to settle in now - Trump is indeed the next president. We're not dreaming, but it's no less of a nightmare. Last week we opened the flood gates of discussion with a packed studio when we allowed our guests to voice their opinions on the results of the recent US elections and the implications for the social climate moving forward in the USA. We return this Sunday, November 20th at 12:00noon EST (half hour earlier just this Sunday) to conclude our "group therapy" session, and as usual we want to hear from you! Our special guest will be Ambassador Richard Bernal who was unable to connect with us last week due to technical difficulties. He will discuss with us the options open to the Caribbean to be incorporated construcively in US foreign policy. Tensions are at fever pitch all across the USA as racists slowly start to crawl out of the woodworks now that they realize they have a man in the castle. But with Trump already backpedalling on some of his campaign rhetoric, might there be a glimmer of hope?  To listen to any episode live, or catch the archived version afterwards, simply click the link below. Feel free to call in and share your views live on air or interact with other listeners in the live chatroom.  For a full list of ways to contact the Yardie Skeptics, click this link: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1EEyUtd44w3hT5dvu6sxuFYkKxZjlijbLdx04C2cfa6w/edit?usp=sharing 02:02:00Yardie SkepticsnoUSA,Trump,CLinton,Republicans,CaribbeanComing to terms with a Trump presidency and what it means for the Caribbean and the worldhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/yardieskeptics/2016/11/13/ys-radio-s04-ep07-post-election-group-therapyEducationhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/yardieskeptics/2016/11/13/ys-radio-s04-ep07-post-election-group-therapy/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/yardieskeptics/2016/11/13/ys-radio-s04-ep07-post-election-group-therapySun, 13 Nov 2016 17:30:00 GMTYS Radio (S04, ep07) : Post Election Group TherapyKiss mi neck! The unimaginable has actually occured! What started out as a side show distraction to the US presidential campaign has now turned into a living nightmare for millions in the USA and the world over. Did it really happen? Will Americans have to sit by and watch as 8 years of the Obama presidency become undone? How have Caribbean folk abroad been dealing with the bombshell election results? Where do we go from here? Well this Sunday Nov. 13th at 12:30pm EST the Yardie Skeptic are inviting you to come and sit on our couch and tell us what's on your mind. That's right folks, we are open for group therapy on our next episode as we seek to unpack, analyze, and indeed recover from the shock of an impending Trump presidency!  To listen to any episode live, or catch the archived version afterwards, simply click the link below. Feel free to call in and share your views live on air or interact with other listeners in the live chatroom.  For a full list of ways to contact the Yardie Skeptics, click this link: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1EEyUtd44w3hT5dvu6sxuFYkKxZjlijbLdx04C2cfa6w/edit?usp=sharing Be sure to like our new Facebook page "Yardie Skeptics Network!" 02:02:00Yardie SkepticsnoTrump,Clinton,Elections,Caribbean,PoliticsGroup therapy for the battered and the broken after Trumpocalypsehttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/yardieskeptics/2016/11/06/ys-radio-s04-ep06-sex-religion-intimacy-pt-2Educationhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/yardieskeptics/2016/11/06/ys-radio-s04-ep06-sex-religion-intimacy-pt-2/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/yardieskeptics/2016/11/06/ys-radio-s04-ep06-sex-religion-intimacy-pt-2Sun, 06 Nov 2016 17:30:00 GMTYS Radio (S04, ep06) : Sex, Religion & Intimacy Pt 2- Can the bible be used as erotica? - How do you tell your spouse you're into BDSM? - Can orgasms bring couples closer spiritually? - What man wants a woman with an extensive sexual history? We dealt with all of those topics in the last episode and it was still just the tip! This Sunday November 6th at 12:30pm we plan to plunge into this topic all the way up to the hilt and wont withdraw until we're completely spent! You heard that right folks, last week's quickie discussion was indeed a broadcastus interruptus so we are back for a round two on the Yardie Skeptics radio show!  We hope to re-invite our erudite panel from last week back into the bedroom: Dr. Karen Carpenter, psychologist & sexologist Shaneka Harris, IT specialist and "sexpert"  and our mystery guest Michael who caused a heated discussion when he insisted that women are either wives or "thots!" If you are a Christian, or know one who wants to contribute, don't hesitate to call us on Sunday. You can't afford to miss this one folks! Late addition to our panel: Christine South, a thinking Jamaican Christian based in London, England! To listen to any episode live, or catch the archived version afterwards, simply click the link below. Feel free to call in and share your views live on air or interact with other listeners in the live chatroom.  For a full list of ways to contact the Yardie Skeptics, click this link: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1EEyUtd44w3hT5dvu6sxuFYkKxZjlijbLdx04C2cfa6w/edit?usp=sharing 02:02:00Yardie SkepticsnoSex,Religion,Intimacy,Repression,BDSMDebating sex, sexuality, intimacy and religion - from a Jamaican/Caribbean perspectivehttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/yardieskeptics/2016/10/30/ys-radio-s04-ep05-sex-and-religionEducationhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/yardieskeptics/2016/10/30/ys-radio-s04-ep05-sex-and-religion/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/yardieskeptics/2016/10/30/ys-radio-s04-ep05-sex-and-religionSun, 30 Oct 2016 16:30:00 GMTYS Radio (S.04, ep.05) : Sex and Religion "Sex and Religion" Ever since Adam picked that sweet, succulent, scintillating forbidden fruit, sank his teeth into it and let the juices explode into the back of his throat, we've all been screwed. How has religion influenced or views and attitudes towards sex? Has religion allowed us to free our inhibitions or has it blue balled us into sexual frustration? Don't miss out on this steamy episode, jump into the bedroom with the Yardie Skeptics! Live on air we'll be joined by:  Dr. Karen Carpenter, psychologist & sexologist Damien Williams, biblical scholar and Christian minister Shaneka Harris, IT specialist and "sexpert"  Call in number: (619) 924-9749 02:04:00Yardie SkepticsnoSex,Religion,Christianity,Pleasure,Carnality"Sex and Religion" Ever since Adam picked that sweet, succulent, scintillating forbidden fruit, sank his teeth into it and let the juices explode into the backhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/yardieskeptics/2016/10/23/yardie-skeptics-s04-ep04-social-media-modern-communicationEducationhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/yardieskeptics/2016/10/23/yardie-skeptics-s04-ep04-social-media-modern-communication/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/yardieskeptics/2016/10/23/yardie-skeptics-s04-ep04-social-media-modern-communicationSun, 23 Oct 2016 16:30:00 GMTYardie Skeptics (S.04, ep.04) : Social Media & Modern Communication "Social Media and Modern Communication" Now that we're able to communicate with each other instantaneously from thousands of miles away and in different time zones, have we become better as a result? Are we slowly forming more meaningful communities around shared ideals, or have we simply drifted apart as islands of individualism and narcissism? Does social media promote the democratization of information and ideas, or is it simply controlled by players who have the right culture, language, and power? Special guests: Dr. Alison Irvine-Sobers, sociolinguist, Dr. Natalie Bennett, sociologist & Dr. Joseph Farquharson, lexicographer. To listen to any episode live, or catch the archived version afterwards, simply click the link below. Feel free to call in and share your views live on air or interact with other listeners in the live chatroom.  02:03:00Yardie SkepticsnoSocial media,communication,culture,language,power"Social Media and Modern Communication" Now that we're able to communicate with each other instantaneously from thousands of miles away and in different time zhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/yardieskeptics/2016/10/16/yardie-skeptics-radio-s04-ep03-us-electionsEducationhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/yardieskeptics/2016/10/16/yardie-skeptics-radio-s04-ep03-us-elections/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/yardieskeptics/2016/10/16/yardie-skeptics-radio-s04-ep03-us-electionsSun, 16 Oct 2016 16:30:00 GMTYardie Skeptics Radio (S.04, ep.03): US ElectionsCaribbean Perspectives on the US Presidential Election Mass shootings, police brutality, military ineptitude in the Syrian war, the USA appears to be going to hell in a hand basket while the devil himself "trumps" along merrily to the impending doom. What are the implications for the Caribbean when the new President is chosen? Have Caribbean nationals chosen sides either way? Don't worry, we promise not to grab or grope you! Featured guests include: Sharon Smith Garth Delapenha Shaneka Harris Rain Jarrett All are Jamaican-US nationals, and will have plenty to contriibute! UPDATE: We have now booked a Caribbean-American Trump supporter to come on the show... At the beginning of the show, we will have an update on the post-Hurricane Matthew situtation from special guests Serge Bellegarde, Marie Hitchins, and Lesley Richards. Serge is a Haitian national resident in the US; Marie is a Haitian-Jamaican resident in Jamaica, and Lesley Richards is a Jamaican national currently based in Port-Au-Prince, Haiti.  To listen to any episode live, or catch the archived version afterwards, simply click the link below. Feel free to call in and share your views live on air or interact with other listeners in the live chatroom.  Be sure to like our new Facebook page "Yardie Skeptics Network!" 02:03:00Yardie SkepticsnoCaribbean,US Presidential politics,Hillary Clinton,Donald Trump,White HouseCaribbean-Americans and US Presidential politicshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/yardieskeptics/2016/10/09/yardie-skeptics-radio-s04-e02-discrimination-hair-to-stayEducationhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/yardieskeptics/2016/10/09/yardie-skeptics-radio-s04-e02-discrimination-hair-to-stay/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/yardieskeptics/2016/10/09/yardie-skeptics-radio-s04-e02-discrimination-hair-to-staySun, 09 Oct 2016 16:30:00 GMTYardie Skeptics Radio (S.04, e.02): Discrimination Hair to Stay?What is it with rules designed to police black hair, black bodies and black identity? Where does one draw the line between an outright abrogation of freedom of expression and a request to obey basic rules of decency and decorum? Are we trying to tame the #unkempt black hair, or subdue the rebellious black spirit?  Joining our discussion will be noted Jamaican attorney-at-law Bert Samuels, and his daughter Ayanna T. Samuels, together with Marie Hitchins.  Bert and Ayanana wrote a column in the Daily Gleaner on this subject which can be seen here: http://jamaica-gleaner.com/article/focus/20160925/bert-and-ayanna-samuels-hopefield-prep-are-rules-just-rules Call in number:(619) 924-9749 You can also reach us via the Skype interface in the chatroom (which will be opened shortly before the show). 02:02:00Yardie Skepticsnohuman rights,hair,education,children,studentsDiscussion on hair policing in Jamaicahttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/yardieskeptics/2016/10/02/yardie-skeptics-radio-s04-ep01-season-4-premier--why-i-left-the-sda-churcEducationhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/yardieskeptics/2016/10/02/yardie-skeptics-radio-s04-ep01-season-4-premier--why-i-left-the-sda-churc/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/yardieskeptics/2016/10/02/yardie-skeptics-radio-s04-ep01-season-4-premier--why-i-left-the-sda-churcSun, 02 Oct 2016 16:30:00 GMTYardie Skeptics Radio (S.04, ep.01): Season 4 Premier - Why I left the SDA Church Be prepared to hear the shocking stories of ex-SDA members who turned their backs on what was once their spiritual home and the struggles to reclaim their identities as individuals. A story of redemption after escaping a cult, or just a bunch of backsliders who wanted out to live a life of sin? You be the judge!  01:52:00Yardie Skepticsnoatheism,yardieskeptics,SDA,religion,secularismBe prepared to hear the shocking stories of ex-SDA members who turned their backs on what was once their spiritual home and the struggles to reclaim their identhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/yardieskeptics/2015/11/01/yardie-skeptics-s03-ep20-season-3-finaleEducationhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/yardieskeptics/2015/11/01/yardie-skeptics-s03-ep20-season-3-finale/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/yardieskeptics/2015/11/01/yardie-skeptics-s03-ep20-season-3-finaleSun, 01 Nov 2015 17:30:00 GMTYardie Skeptics (S.03, ep.20): Season 3 FinaleIt's that time of the year again when the Yardie Skeptics wrap up yet another successful season! Come join us this Sunday, November 1st at 12:30pm EDT (12:30pm Jamaica time) as we bring the curtains down on our third season, doing a season review and looking ahead for new topics to explore next season. Come relive some of your memories from this season and tell us what direction you'd like to see the Yardie Skeptics branch out into for season 4.  Live on air will be Prof. Verene Shepherd to tell us about the recently concluded symbolic trial of Governor Eyre, where Governor Eyre was found guilty of the debacle which was the Moran Bay incident of 1865 and subsequently deported back to England to serve his prison sentence. Also joining us will be Jamaica's public defender Arlene Harrison-Henry who, having declared that the St. Hilda's head girl removal was a clear case of religious discrimination, has renewed the call for the implementation of anti-discrimination legislation. That's right folks, we're going out with a bang this season!  02:01:00Yardie Skepticsnoseason finale,skepticism,atheism,Jamaica,Morant BaySeason finale with guests Prof. Verene Shepherd and Arlene Harrison-Henryhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/yardieskeptics/2015/10/18/yardie-skeptics-s03-ep19-the-theocritization-of-jamaican-schoolsEducationhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/yardieskeptics/2015/10/18/yardie-skeptics-s03-ep19-the-theocritization-of-jamaican-schools/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/yardieskeptics/2015/10/18/yardie-skeptics-s03-ep19-the-theocritization-of-jamaican-schoolsSun, 18 Oct 2015 16:30:00 GMTYardie Skeptics (S.03, ep.19): The Theocritization of Jamaican Schools   The Yardie Skeptics are back for their penultimate episode in Season 3, this Sunday October 18th at 12:30pm EDT (11:30am Jamaica time) to revisit an issue which we have dealt with for an unprecedented three times in our media networks - religious encroachment in a Jamaican public school. But this time things are different; the vast majority of voices in the public all agree that religious influence has gone too far and is in clear violation of a code of ethics, and the Jamaican public defender as official declared as much. The removal of a student from the post of head girl on religious grounds proved to be the tipping point for tolerance of religious privilege, and the Yardie Skeptics are putting this issue front and centre.  Joining us live on air will be none other than veteran Jamaican human rights advocate Yvonne McCalla-Sobers. Be sure to catch us early in the broadcast to listen to Prof. Verene Shepherd recount the "Walk to Stony Gut" in remembrance of the fateful Morant Bay Rebellion which resulted in the hanging of Jamaican National Hero, Paul Bogle.  To listen to this episode live, or catch the archived version afterwards, simply click the link below. Feel free to call in and share your views live on air or interact with other listeners in the live chatroom.  Be sure to like our new Facebook page Yardie Skeptics Network! "The home of the ackee of rationality and the saltfish of skepticism"? "The home of the ackee of rationality and the saltfish of skepticism"? 02:01:00Yardie SkepticsnoReligion,education,schools,christianity,human rightsThe Yardie Skeptics are back for their penultimate episode in Season 3, this Sunday October 18th at 12:30pm EDT (11:30am Jamaica time) to revisit an issuehttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/yardieskeptics/2015/10/11/yardie-skeptics-s03-ep18-interrogating-the-britishjamaican-prison-dealEducationhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/yardieskeptics/2015/10/11/yardie-skeptics-s03-ep18-interrogating-the-britishjamaican-prison-deal/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/yardieskeptics/2015/10/11/yardie-skeptics-s03-ep18-interrogating-the-britishjamaican-prison-dealSun, 11 Oct 2015 16:30:00 GMTYardie Skeptics (S.03, ep.18): Interrogating the British/Jamaican "Prison Deal" The Yardie Skeptics come roaring back this Sunday October 11th at 12:30pm EDT (11:30am Jamaica time) following the recent visit to Jamaica of British Prime Minister David Cameron, who entered into a (non-binding) memorandum of understanding with the government of Jamaica to provide a grant of £25M to construct a brand new PRISON! Yes, you heard that right, a spanking new maximum security penal facility - provided we can find the other 60% of the cost.   The veritable hurricane of views this has sparked has resulted in no less than a public outcry against the MOU, a parliamentary walk out by the opposition party, and calls for the Prime Minister of Jamaica to have a press conference for full disclosure of the deal. But will that happen?   Live in studio to discuss this issue are returning guests Sen. the Hon. Mark Golding, Minister of Justice of Jamaica, and Prof. Verene Sheppard, Director of the Institute of Gender and Development Studies and Reparations Committee member. Rounding out the panel will be Robert Collie, attorney-at-law, and member of the Jamaica Labour Party. You can't miss this one folks, and as Mr. Cameron so eloquently put it, if you don't like this deal you need to "get over it!" 02:01:00Yardie SkepticsnoThe Yardie Skeptics come roaring back this Sunday October 11th at 12:30pm EDT (11:30am Jamaica time) following the recent visit to Jamaica of British Prime Minhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/yardieskeptics/2015/10/04/yardie-skeptics-s03-ep17-prospects-for-an-integrated-caribbeanEducationhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/yardieskeptics/2015/10/04/yardie-skeptics-s03-ep17-prospects-for-an-integrated-caribbean/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/yardieskeptics/2015/10/04/yardie-skeptics-s03-ep17-prospects-for-an-integrated-caribbeanSun, 04 Oct 2015 16:30:00 GMTYardie Skeptics (S.03, ep.17): Prospects for an integrated Caribbean  Come hang with the Yardie Skeptics this Sunday, October 4th at 12:30pm EDT (11:30am Jamaica time) while we sit down to explore the prospects and possibilities for an integrated Caribbean . Has that ship already sailed? Is there still room for an integrated Caribbean and what do member states stand to gain from being a part of such a union? With CARICOM receiving so much skepticism from the average Caribbean citizen, and heads of state hesitant to throw their full support behind it, is Caribbean political integration destined to remain a fantasy? Joining us live on air will be Dr. Edward Green, Professor Emeritus of the University of the West Indies and UN Special Envoy for HIV in the Caribbean; Sen. Lisa Shoman, Leader of Opposition Business in Belize; Hon. Damian Gomez, Minister of State for Legal Affairs in the Bahamas, and Ed Bartlett, shadow Minister of Foreign Affairs, Jamaica. Feel free to check us out this Sunday and be a part of this important discussion! To listen to this episode live, or catch the archived version afterwards, simply click the link below. Feel free to call in and share your views live on air or interact with other listeners in the live chatroom.  Be sure to like our new Facebook page Yardie Skeptics Network! iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/yardie-skeptics/id655758991?mt=2 "The home of the ackee of rationality and the saltfish of skepticism"? 01:59:00Yardie SkepticsnoCARICOM,Development,Politics,21st century,IntegrationDiscussion about CARICOM's prospectshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/yardieskeptics/2015/10/03/test-transmission-1Educationhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/yardieskeptics/2015/10/03/test-transmission-1/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/yardieskeptics/2015/10/03/test-transmission-1Sat, 03 Oct 2015 18:50:26 GMTTest TransmissionTest 00:21:00Yardie SkepticsnoTest Thttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/yardieskeptics/2015/09/27/yardie-skeptics-s03-ep16-the-jamaican-latin-american-connectionEducationhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/yardieskeptics/2015/09/27/yardie-skeptics-s03-ep16-the-jamaican-latin-american-connection/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/yardieskeptics/2015/09/27/yardie-skeptics-s03-ep16-the-jamaican-latin-american-connectionSun, 27 Sep 2015 16:30:00 GMTYardie Skeptics (S.03, ep.16): The Jamaican Latin American ConnectionHot on the heels from last week's grab bag section where we started the fascinating story of the Bacon family from Nicaragua and Jamaica, the Yardie Skeptics are back this Sunday, September 27 at 12:30pm (11:30am Jamaica time) to conclude the discussion on the Bacons and explore the wider Jamaican-Latin American connection. What kinds of cultural similarities does Jamaica have with our various Latin American neighbours? How have Jamaican migrants to Latin American territories dealt with the cultural adjustments, and to what extent has their new home embraced Jamaican cultural expressions? Is there more to show to the world from these areas aside from crime, poverty and political corruption? Come join the Yardie Skeptics this Sunday as we investigate and celebrate our Latin American neighbours.  To listen to this episode live, or catch the archived version afterwards, simply click the link below. Feel free to call in and share your views live on air or interact with other listeners in the live chatroom.  Be sure to like our new Facebook page Yardie Skeptics Network! Yardie Skeptics Radio "The home of the ackee of rationality and the saltfish of skepticism"? "The home of the ackee of rationality and the saltfish of skepticism"? 02:02:00Yardie SkepticsnoFamily,Culture,Jamaica,Nicaragua,BluefieldsDiscussion on cultural link between Nicaragua and Jamaicahttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/yardieskeptics/2015/09/20/yardie-skeptics-s03-ep15-judges-and-the-justice-system-in-the-caribbeanEducationhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/yardieskeptics/2015/09/20/yardie-skeptics-s03-ep15-judges-and-the-justice-system-in-the-caribbean/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/yardieskeptics/2015/09/20/yardie-skeptics-s03-ep15-judges-and-the-justice-system-in-the-caribbeanSun, 20 Sep 2015 16:30:00 GMTYardie Skeptics (S.03, ep.15): Judges and the Justice System in the CaribbeanThe Yardie Skeptics return this Sunday, September 20th at 12:30pm EDT (11:30am Jamaica time) to take into the very private, rarely investigated professional life of Caribbean judges. What kind of training is required to be a judge in the Caribbean and what is the philosophical framework which informs the notion of "justice" in the Caribbean - is it restorative or simply about vengeance? What is the role of the judiciary in the establishment and protection of human rights and what ideologies influence such rights - secular or religious? Joining us live on air will be Madam Justice Jacqueline Cornelius of the High Court of Barbados; Justice Douglas Mendes, former Court of Appeal Judge for Belize; and Chief Magistrate Ann-Marie Smith also from Belize. This promises to be quite an educational episode so do tune in and land a coveted opportunity to talk justice with a Caribbean judge!  Be sure to catch us at the beginning when we explore the interesting Jamaican-Nicaraguan connection as seen from the perspective of the Bacons - a family brought together by a whirlwind romance between two love birds on different sides of the Caribbean.  01:51:00Yardie Skepticsnoyardie skeptics,justice,judges,law,caribbeanThe Yardie Skeptics return this Sunday, September 20th at 12:30pm EDT (11:30am Jamaica time) to take into the very private, rarely investigated professional lifhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/yardieskeptics/2015/09/13/yardie-skeptics-s03-ep14-is-sex-addiction-realEducationhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/yardieskeptics/2015/09/13/yardie-skeptics-s03-ep14-is-sex-addiction-real/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/yardieskeptics/2015/09/13/yardie-skeptics-s03-ep14-is-sex-addiction-realSun, 13 Sep 2015 16:30:00 GMTYardie Skeptics (S.03, ep.14): Is Sex Addiction Real?The Yardie Skeptics are returning all hot and bothered from last week's episode on ography, which was just foreplay for the steamy upcoming episode this Sunday, September 13th at 12:30pm EDT (11:30am Jamaica time) when we ask the question "Is Sex Addition Real?"  This one has the studio cracked right down the middle with Dr. Karen Carpenter, sexologist and sexuality researcher, skeptical that such a condition exists, while Dr. Asa DeMatteo clinical psychologist, suggests that sex addition is indeed very real. This is shaping up to be a good romp in the Yardie Skeptics studio! Also expect to hear from return panelist from last week Dr. Julian Walters to round out this veritable orgy of guests! Be sure to tune in early while we chat to Dr. Michael Abrahams for a quickie during the grab bag section of the show about his recent article to the Gleaner declaring that "God is NOT merciful" and the raging social media storm it caused. We have a full schedule this Sunday so be sure to make it a date! 02:01:00Yardie SkepticsnoYardie Skeptics,atheism,sex addiction,sex,JamaicaA discussion on whether sexual addiction is real or simply mythhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/yardieskeptics/2015/09/06/yardie-skeptics-s03-ep13-whats-wrong-with-pornEducationhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/yardieskeptics/2015/09/06/yardie-skeptics-s03-ep13-whats-wrong-with-porn/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/yardieskeptics/2015/09/06/yardie-skeptics-s03-ep13-whats-wrong-with-pornSun, 06 Sep 2015 16:30:00 GMTYardie Skeptics (S.03, ep.13): What's Wrong With Porn?The wait is finally over and the Yardie Skeptics are blazing back from a one week hiatus to scorch the airwaves this Sunday September 6th at 12:30pm EDT (11:30am Jamaica time) with a steamy discussion on ography! You heard that correctly, we're taking a no holds barred discussion to the social phenomenon which is and we want you all to cum ;)  Joining us live on air will be Latin American scholar and gender studies researcher Dr. Danielle Roper, as well as lawyer and secularist Glenroy Murray. We will also be joined by Jamaican youth pastor Elizabeth ("Betty") Lloyd-Lawrence and adult and child psychiatrist Dr. Julian Walters (also a Jamaican and Christian).How do we negotiate the delicate balance between decent adult entertainment and censorship of obscenity? With "revenge " at an all time high, is it time to seriously discuss the legal and ethical issues at stake? And what of the growing market for child ography? Would we be better off simply closing down the industry? Let's have your views on this issue - call in and talk dirty to us! 02:01:00Yardie SkepticsnoYardie Skeptics,pornography,secularism,atheism,JamaicaA full frontal discussion on ographyhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/yardieskeptics/2015/08/23/yardie-skeptics-s03-ep12-same-sex-parentingEducationhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/yardieskeptics/2015/08/23/yardie-skeptics-s03-ep12-same-sex-parenting/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/yardieskeptics/2015/08/23/yardie-skeptics-s03-ep12-same-sex-parentingSun, 23 Aug 2015 16:30:00 GMTYardie Skeptics (S.03, ep.12): Same Sex Parenting   Raising a child is said to be one of the most rewarding experiences anyone can hope for - watching a little human grow into adulthood, overcoming life's challenges and reaching important milestones. But, imagine if you were permanently denied this privilege on account of your sexual orientation? On what grounds should same sex couples be prohibited from raising children?  The Yardie Skeptics are yet again breaking new ground this Sunday, August 23rd at 12:30pm EDT (11:30am Jamaica time) as we do our first exposé on same sex parenting. What are some of the challenges same sex couples face when they decide to become parents? Do children raised in same sex households turn out as "normal" as other children? Joining us live on air will be one same sex couple - partners Christopher Inniss and Shelton Stroman - and three other same sex parents - Judith Williams, Natalie Bennett, and Nigel Simon to round out our full house on this discussion. Join us for this first ever exploration of the highs and lows of same sex parenting! 02:01:00Yardie SkepticsnoSame sex parenting,LGBT,Children,Rights,UpbringingRaising a child is said to be one of the most rewarding experiences anyone can hope for - watching a little human grow into adulthood, overcoming life's chttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/yardieskeptics/2015/08/16/yardie-skeptics-s3-ep11-dialogue-on-theistic-worldview-with-ian-boyneEducationhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/yardieskeptics/2015/08/16/yardie-skeptics-s3-ep11-dialogue-on-theistic-worldview-with-ian-boyne/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/yardieskeptics/2015/08/16/yardie-skeptics-s3-ep11-dialogue-on-theistic-worldview-with-ian-boyneSun, 16 Aug 2015 16:30:00 GMTYardie Skeptics (S.3, ep.11): Dialogue on theistic worldview with Ian Boyne   Yes, you read that title right, the Yardie Skeptics will be having none other than the venerable Ian Boyne in studio this Sunday, August 16th at 12:30pm EDT (11:30am Jamaica time) to discuss the finer points of the theistic worldview. This man has been called everything from elitist, to snobbish, to detached from the reality on the ground, but love him or hate him, none can deny that veteran journalist Boyne has distinguished himself as one of Jamaica's most outspoken public intellectuals and erudite Christian apologists. You don't want to miss this episode when the Yardie Skeptics and Boyne stop trading barbs in the national newspaper for a second, and sit down to discuss the merits of maintaining a theistic worldview in the 21st century. What purpose does theism serve in society? Has there ever been a single tangible benefit of religiosity? Does God have a place in figuring out our current social problems? Get ready for what promises to be a highly informative and scintillating episode! 02:02:00Yardie SkepticsnoYes, you read that title right, the Yardie Skeptics will be having none other than the venerable Ian Boyne in studio this Sunday, August 16th at 12:30pm Ehttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/yardieskeptics/2015/08/09/yardie-skeptics-s3-ep10-decade-on-people-of-african-descentEducationhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/yardieskeptics/2015/08/09/yardie-skeptics-s3-ep10-decade-on-people-of-african-descent/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/yardieskeptics/2015/08/09/yardie-skeptics-s3-ep10-decade-on-people-of-african-descentSun, 09 Aug 2015 16:30:00 GMTYardie Skeptics (S.3, ep.10): Decade on People of African Descent"In proclaiming this Decade, the international community is recognizing that people of African descent represent a distinct group whose human rights must be promoted and protected." - United Nations The Yardie Skeptics are back this Sunday, August 9th at 12:30pm EDT (11:30am Jamaican time) to discuss the inauguration of the International Decade on People of African Descent 2015-2024. What are the goals of this initiative? Why are we still chanting "Black lives matter" a whole four decades after the civil rights movement? Will the lived realities of Afrodescended persons improve in any meaningful way over the next 10 years, or are we destined to suffer under the heal of racism?  Joining us live on air will be Prof. Verene Shepherd, professor of social history and director of Gender and Development studies at UWI, Mona, and Alison Moses, founder and president of RICA Diaspora LLC, a business consultancy firm geared for persons of African descent. We want to hear from you folks of African descent - what do want for yourselves as a group over the next ten years? To listen to this episode live, or catch the archived version afterwards, simply click the link below. Feel free to call in and share your views live on air or interact with other listeners in the live chatroom.  Be sure to like our new Facebook page Yardie Skeptics Network! Yardie Skeptics Radio iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/yardie-skeptics/id655758991?mt=2 "The home of the ackee of rationality and the saltfish of skepticism" ? 02:01:00Yardie SkepticsnoPeople of African Descent,Racism,Justice,Development,RecognitionPromoting the rights of people of African descenthttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/yardieskeptics/2015/08/02/yardie-skeptics-s02-ep09-secular-humanism-as-a-guiding-principleEducationhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/yardieskeptics/2015/08/02/yardie-skeptics-s02-ep09-secular-humanism-as-a-guiding-principle/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/yardieskeptics/2015/08/02/yardie-skeptics-s02-ep09-secular-humanism-as-a-guiding-principleSun, 02 Aug 2015 16:30:00 GMTYardie Skeptics (S.02, ep.09): Secular Humanism as a Guiding Principle The Yardie Skeptics return this Sunday, August 2nd ar 12:30pm EDT (11:30am Jamaica time) to blaze up the airwaves with yet another hot button topic - can secular humanism serve as a guiding principle for a society? Can a philosophical system which is not subjected to the dictates of a deity provide the necessary moral framework for social stability? If gods aren't in charge, then who? Men? Is secular humanism simply a way for atheists to impose their ideology on society and force theists into the margins?  Joining us live in studio will be secular humanists Peter John Williams and Robin Gane-McCalla, Suzette Gardner, and Mandisa Thomas. We will be hearing from them about their journeys as humanists as well as their involvement in organizations which seek to foster and educate persons on the principles of secular humanism. You don't want to miss out on your chance to put secular humanism under a microscope! "The home of the ackee of rationality and the saltfish of skepticism"  02:02:00Yardie SkepticsnoThe Yardie Skeptics return this Sunday, August 2nd ar 12:30pm EDT (11:30am Jamaica time) to blaze up the airwaves with yet another hot button topic - can seculhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/yardieskeptics/2015/07/26/yardie-skeptics-s03-ep07-listening-to-our-listenersEducationhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/yardieskeptics/2015/07/26/yardie-skeptics-s03-ep07-listening-to-our-listeners/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/yardieskeptics/2015/07/26/yardie-skeptics-s03-ep07-listening-to-our-listenersSun, 26 Jul 2015 16:30:00 GMTYardie Skeptics (S.03, ep.08): Listening to Our Listeners Hey folks, it's here for the first time this season when the Yardie Skeptics put YOU the listener into the spotlight! Yep, you got that right, this Sunday July 26th at 12:30pm EDT (11:30am Jamaica time) the Yardie Skeptics will have our first listener centred episode where take a back seat and allow out listeners to decide what the topic will be.  So, what do YOU want to talk about? The recent murders of members of the Jamaican Constabulary Force? The mysterious suicides of black women in custody in the USA? Deep sea volcano off the coast of Grenada threatening Caribbean? NAACP chapter director turn hairdresser? Hey heeey! You call us with YOUR topic and we'll accommodate, because this Sunday is your turn to take the spotlight! 02:01:00Yardie Skepticsnoskepticism,current affairs,human rights,Jamaica,CaribbeanHey folks, it's here for the first time this season when the Yardie Skeptics put YOU the listener into the spotlight! Yep, you got that right, this Sunday Julyhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/yardieskeptics/2015/07/19/yardie-skeptics-s03-ep07-what-do-women-wantEducationhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/yardieskeptics/2015/07/19/yardie-skeptics-s03-ep07-what-do-women-want/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/yardieskeptics/2015/07/19/yardie-skeptics-s03-ep07-what-do-women-wantSun, 19 Jul 2015 16:30:00 GMTYardie Skeptics (S.03, ep.07): What do Women Want? The Yardie Skeptics return this Sunday, July 19th at 12:30PM (11:30AM Jamaican time) to tackle one of the most perplexing questions which has ever faced mankind. A question so great it has confounded learned philosophers and the common-folk alike. More profound than the question "why are we here" and with more far reaching implications than "is there life after death?" A question which touches on the inner-most fundamentals of what it means to be human and reaches all the way to the borders of the cosmos:  WHAT DO WOMEN WANT?  You got that right! The Yardie Skeptics are going there on the next episode and there's no guarantee we'll make it out in one piece at the end... if there can BE an end. Come join the Yardie Skeptics on this adventurous journey into the frontier few men have gone before. Our tour guide will be none other than Jullieth Maughn, one half of the editorial team of the recently published "Sensesha: Memoirs of the Caribbean Woman." We want to hear from you our female listeners; come take the Yardie Skeptics to school and give us an education.    02:03:00Yardie SkepticsnoWomen,Relationships,Men,Transgender,LesbianThe Yardie Skeptics return this Sunday, July 19th at 12:30PM (11:30AM Jamaican time) to tackle one of the most perplexing questions which has ever faced mankinhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/yardieskeptics/2015/07/12/yardie-skeptics-s03-ep06-religion-and-epistemology-with-dr-anna-perkinsEducationhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/yardieskeptics/2015/07/12/yardie-skeptics-s03-ep06-religion-and-epistemology-with-dr-anna-perkins/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/yardieskeptics/2015/07/12/yardie-skeptics-s03-ep06-religion-and-epistemology-with-dr-anna-perkinsSun, 12 Jul 2015 16:30:00 GMTYardie Skeptics S.03, ep.06 Religion and Epistemology with Dr. Anna Perkins What do people mean when they claim they "know" God, and what exactly do they know when they declare such a thing? How is it that believers use their natural faculty to detect the supernatural (e.g. eyes and ears), but when pressed for evidence none is forthcoming? Is there anyway to speak factually about the "spiritual" realm or the supernatural claims of religions? Or, will the answers to these questions remain forever shrouded in the "mysterious" ways of gods?  You don't want to miss this episode of the Yardie Skeptics radio show this Sunday, July 12th at 12:30pm EDT (11:30am Jamaica time) as we interrogate the connection between epistemology and religion. Joining us live on air will be none other than a friend of the Yardie Skeptics network, Dr. Anna Perkins, educator and Catholic theologian. Come journey with the skeptics as we try to uncover whether one can have "knowledge" of the supernatural or nothing more than simply wishful thinking. Believers, we want to hear from you!   02:03:00Yardie SkepticsnoReligion,Epistemology,Knowledge,Faith,ReasonWhat do people mean when they claim they "know" God, and what exactly do they know when they declare such a thing? How is it that believers use their natural fhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/yardieskeptics/2015/07/05/yardie-skeptics-s-3-ep5--the-haitian-purgeEducationhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/yardieskeptics/2015/07/05/yardie-skeptics-s-3-ep5--the-haitian-purge/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/yardieskeptics/2015/07/05/yardie-skeptics-s-3-ep5--the-haitian-purgeSun, 05 Jul 2015 16:30:00 GMTYardie Skeptics, S 3, ep.5 - The Haitian Purge The Yardie Skeptics are back at it this Sunday, July 5th at 12:30pm EDT (11:30am Jamaica time) to investigate the recent news in the Dominican Republic of "ethnic cleansing" where Haitians born to Dominican parents have been deported for no other reason but being Haitian. The caricature of the superstitious, backward Haitian has always been a part of the political scapegoating in Dom. Rep., but why has it escalated to the point of an all out Haitian purge?  Joining us live in studio will be  Celso Perez, the author of "We are Dominican" a recent Human Rights Watch Report on the situation in the Dominican Republic;  Serge Bellegarde, Haitian born interpreter/translator and retired Organization of American States (OAS) employee; Marie Hitchens, Haitian born business owner residing in Jamaica; Azolin Jean Baptiste, who has extensive experience working on the Dom. Rep./Haiti relationships; and  Alfredo Oguisten, a Haitian-Dominican who has been affected by the denationalization process in the Dominican Republic. 02:03:00Yardie SkepticsnoDominican Republic,Haiti,Nationality,Racism,DeportationThe Yardie Skeptics are back at it this Sunday, July 5th at 12:30pm EDT (11:30am Jamaica time) to investigate the recent news in the Dominican Republic of "ethhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/yardieskeptics/2015/06/28/yardie-skeptics-s3-ep04-joint-broadcast-with-haitian-freethinkersAtheismhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/yardieskeptics/2015/06/28/yardie-skeptics-s3-ep04-joint-broadcast-with-haitian-freethinkers/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/yardieskeptics/2015/06/28/yardie-skeptics-s3-ep04-joint-broadcast-with-haitian-freethinkersSun, 28 Jun 2015 16:30:00 GMTYardie Skeptics (S.3, ep04) Joint broadcast with Haitian FreethinkersCome join the Yardie Skeptics this Sunday, June 28th at 12:30pm EDT (11:30am Jamaica time) for our first joint broadcast with our fellow Caribbean skeptics the Haitian Freethinkers Show. You don't want to miss this episode as both sets of radio hosts tackle the challenges and opportunities for skepticism and freethinking in the Caribbean region.  Also in this episode, we explore this issue of "forgiveness" in the wake of the church shooting in South Carolina. Can forgiveness legitimately come so quickly after such an atrocity, or was it done just so that members of the African American community can head back to genuflecting in church? Be sure to tune in for this Yardie Skeptics first!  To listen to this episode live, or catch the archived version afterwards, simply click the link below. Feel free to call in and share your views live on air or interact with other listeners in the live chatroom.  Be sure to like our new Facebook page Yardie Skeptics Network! 02:02:00Yardie SkepticsnoSkepticism,Atheism,Freethinkers,Forgiveness,RacismCome join the Yardie Skeptics this Sunday, June 28th at 12:30pm EDT (11:30am Jamaica time) for our first joint broadcast with our fellow Caribbean skeptics thehttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/yardieskeptics/2015/06/21/yardie-skeptics-s03-ep03-revisiting-the-tivoli-inquiryEducationhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/yardieskeptics/2015/06/21/yardie-skeptics-s03-ep03-revisiting-the-tivoli-inquiry/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/yardieskeptics/2015/06/21/yardie-skeptics-s03-ep03-revisiting-the-tivoli-inquirySun, 21 Jun 2015 16:30:00 GMTYardie Skeptics (S.03, ep.03): Revisiting the Tivoli InquiryThe Yardie Skeptics are back next Sunday, June 21st at 12:30pm EDT (11:30am Jamaica time) to revisit one of the bloodiest masacres in recent Jamaican history - the Tivoli Gardens incursion of May 2010, and the subsequent commission of inquiry established to investigate the operations of the security forces. What, if anything, has the commission unearthed to date? And will the security forces be held accountable for the innocent lives which were mowed down on that fateful day? 02:03:00Yardie Skepticsnoskepticism,jamaica,tivoli,justice,policeThe Yardie Skeptics are back next Sunday, June 21st at 12:30pm EDT (11:30am Jamaica time) to revisit one of the bloodiest masacres in recent Jamaican history -http://www.blogtalkradio.com/yardieskeptics/2015/06/07/yardie-skeptics-s03-ep02-marching-for-childrens-safety--waste-of-timeEducationhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/yardieskeptics/2015/06/07/yardie-skeptics-s03-ep02-marching-for-childrens-safety--waste-of-time/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/yardieskeptics/2015/06/07/yardie-skeptics-s03-ep02-marching-for-childrens-safety--waste-of-timeSun, 07 Jun 2015 16:30:00 GMTYardie Skeptics (S.03, ep.02): Marching for Children's Safety - Waste of Time? The Yardie Skeptics are back this Sunday, June 7th, 12:30pm EDT (11:30am Jamaica time) to tackle and ongoing and sensitive issue affecting Jamaica - the protection and well being of our children. Have we as a nation completely failed our children? Are we more concerned about keeping children safe from sexual education than we are about keeping them safe from sexual predators? Will marching down the road with cardboard placards change this?  Live in studio will be none other than the incomparable Dr. Michael Abrahams, OBGYN, poet, humorist, and human rights advocate. Dr. Abrahams recently started the social media campaign "Protect Our Children" which produced a march to promote the protection of children recently in Kingston. What is at the heart of this persistent issue? And can social media campaigns have any real impact on this problem? 02:03:00Yardie Skepticsnoskepticism,Jamaica,children,human rights,AdvocacyThe Yardie Skeptics are back this Sunday, June 7th, 12:30pm EDT (11:30am Jamaica time) to tackle and ongoing and sensitive issue affecting Jamaica - the protechttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/yardieskeptics/2015/05/31/season-3-premiere-caribbean-women-sexuality-juliet-maughn-shakirah-bourneEducationhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/yardieskeptics/2015/05/31/season-3-premiere-caribbean-women-sexuality-juliet-maughn-shakirah-bourne/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/yardieskeptics/2015/05/31/season-3-premiere-caribbean-women-sexuality-juliet-maughn-shakirah-bourneSun, 31 May 2015 16:30:00 GMTSeason 3 Premiere -Caribbean Women&Sexuality, Juliette Maughn & Shakirah Bourne Season 3 Premiere: In our season premier, we introduce to you co-editors Shakirah Bourne and Juliette Maughan who compiled the scintillating anthology "Senseisha: Memoirs of the Caribbean Woman." Come join us in the boudoir as the authors talk about the insemination, gestation, and birth of this anthology which explores the experiences of Caribbean women through the lens of the sensual. We're bound to break both taboos and hymens this Sunday! 02:03:00Yardie SkepticsnoWomen,sexualitySeason 3 Premiere: In our season premier, we introduce to you co-editors Shakirah Bourne and Juliette Maughan who compiled the scintillating anthology "Senseihttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/yardieskeptics/2014/09/28/yardie-skeptics-s-2-ep-24-season-2-finaleEducationhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/yardieskeptics/2014/09/28/yardie-skeptics-s-2-ep-24-season-2-finale/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/yardieskeptics/2014/09/28/yardie-skeptics-s-2-ep-24-season-2-finaleSun, 28 Sep 2014 16:30:00 GMTYardie Skeptics (s. 2, ep. 24): Season 2 Finale   The Yardie Skeptics are back this Sunday, September 28th at 12:30pm EDT (11:30am Jamaica time) for one last hoorah as we bring a close to Season 2! Come join us as we review season 2 and share your ideas and comments for topics you'd like to see in season 3. Come join the party and hang with your favourite skeptics. Early in the show we re-invite Christina Fenton, lecturer in the Faculty of Liberal Studies at UTech Jamaica and intern at the Bellevue Hospital to talk about Mental Health Awareness Day. Why do we need such a day and how comes no one knows about it? Later in the broadcast we link up with Kenroy Davis, Jamaican journalist and teacher, to hear his reasons for supporting school devotions. Yep, the season finale is a mixed bag of delights, so we're looking forward to hearing from you.  Yardie Skeptics Radio "The home of the ackee of rationality and the saltfish of skepticism"    02:03:00Yardie SkepticsnoYardies,Jamaica,SkepticsThe Yardie Skeptics are back this Sunday, September 28th at 12:30pm EDT (11:30am Jamaica time) for one last hoorah as we bring a close to Season 2! Come jhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/yardieskeptics/2014/09/21/yardie-skeptics-radio-s-2-ep-23-exploring-diaspora-issuesEducationhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/yardieskeptics/2014/09/21/yardie-skeptics-radio-s-2-ep-23-exploring-diaspora-issues/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/yardieskeptics/2014/09/21/yardie-skeptics-radio-s-2-ep-23-exploring-diaspora-issuesSun, 21 Sep 2014 16:30:00 GMTYardie Skeptics Radio (S. 2, ep. 23): Exploring Diaspora Issues The Yardie Skeptics return this Sunday, September 21st at 12:30pm (11:30am Jamaican time) for our penultimate episode in season 2 as we explore the vast range of issues experienced by Diasporic Jamaicans. Why is there still ongoing tension between persons who live inside Jamaica who see themselves as "authentically" Jamaican, and Jamaicans living in the Diaspora who are constantly accused of being "deserters?" Diaspora members keep the economy afloat with a steady flow of foreign currency via remittances, but are scoffed at if the possibility of a Diasporic vote is ever mentioned. Local Jamaicans are the ones who have to deal with the every day realities and hardships of life at home and are tired of being chided as backward and archaic by Diasporic Jamaicans.  Can there be any reconciliation? Is it possible to harness the collective energy of each and every person who identifies themself as Jamaican regardless of geographical location?  Tune in as the Yardie Skeptics go on a guided tour of Diaspora issues with our special guest Rain Jarrett, adjunct professor of sociology at Florida International University. Wherever you are, if you call yourself a "Yardie" we want to hear from you! 02:03:00Yardie SkepticsnoYardie,Diaspora,Skepticism,JamaicaThe Yardie Skeptics return this Sunday, September 21st at 12:30pm (11:30am Jamaican time) for our penultimate episode in season 2 as we explore the vast rangehttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/yardieskeptics/2014/09/14/yardie-skeptics-radio-s-2-ep-22-devoting-time-to-gifted-students-pt-2Educationhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/yardieskeptics/2014/09/14/yardie-skeptics-radio-s-2-ep-22-devoting-time-to-gifted-students-pt-2/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/yardieskeptics/2014/09/14/yardie-skeptics-radio-s-2-ep-22-devoting-time-to-gifted-students-pt-2Sun, 14 Sep 2014 16:50:44 GMTYardie Skeptics Radio (S. 2, ep. 22): Devoting time to "Gifted" Students [Pt. 2]Fresh into the new school year, the Yardie Skeptics return this Sunday, September 14 at 12:30 pm EDT (11:3 0am Jamaica time) to ask the question, are we devoting too much time to "average" students? Average students go on to produce average results and then leave school and become average employees, striving, as it were, for mediocrity and never pushing the boundaries. Why invest this inordinate amount of time with the "averages" while ignoring the gifted and talented prodigies? Our special guest, general manager at FYAH 105FM, Ronald Sutherland, believes that too much time is given to average students with not enough time spent nurturing gifted students. Sutherland suggests that the environment in the Jamaican education system is "hostile to excellence" - filled with students who lack enthusiasm for learning and teachers who end up in the vocation as a last resort. And all the while, the geniuses suffer. Does Sutherland have a point, or is this a complete miscalculation of how the education system operates?  To listen to this episode live, or catch the archived version afterwards, simply click the link below. Join the discussion in the live chatroom and ask questions and offer comments or call in during the show to interact with the hosts and guest.  Yardie Skeptics Radio "The home of the ackee of rationality and the saltfish of skepticism"  01:47:00Yardie Skepticsnojamaica,education reform,geniusFresh into the new school year, the Yardie Skeptics return this Sunday, September 14 at 12:30 pm EDT (11:3 0am Jamaica time) to ask the question, are we devotinhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/yardieskeptics/2014/09/14/yardie-skeptics-radio-s-2-ep-22-devoting-time-to-gifted-studentsEducationhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/yardieskeptics/2014/09/14/yardie-skeptics-radio-s-2-ep-22-devoting-time-to-gifted-students/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/yardieskeptics/2014/09/14/yardie-skeptics-radio-s-2-ep-22-devoting-time-to-gifted-studentsSun, 14 Sep 2014 16:30:00 GMTYardie Skeptics Radio (S. 2, ep. 22): Devoting time to "Gifted" StudentsFresh into the new school year, the Yardie Skeptics return this Sunday, September 14 at 12:30 pm EDT (11:3 0am Jamaica time) to ask the question, are we devoting too much time to "average" students? Average students go on to produce average results and then leave school and become average employees, striving, as it were, for mediocrity and never pushing the boundaries. Why invest this inordinate amount of time with the "averages" while ignoring the gifted and talented prodigies? Our special guest, general manager at FYAH 105FM, Ronald Sutherland, believes that too much time is given to average students with not enough time spent nurturing gifted students. Sutherland suggests that the environment in the Jamaican education system is "hostile to excellence" - filled with students who lack enthusiasm for learning and teachers who end up in the vocation as a last resort. And all the while, the geniuses suffer. Does Sutherland have a point, or is this a complete miscalculation of how the education system operates?  To listen to this episode live, or catch the archived version afterwards, simply click the link below. Join the discussion in the live chatroom and ask questions and offer comments or call in during the show to interact with the hosts and guest.  Yardie Skeptics Radio "The home of the ackee of rationality and the saltfish of skepticism"  http://www.blogtalkradio.com/yardieskeptics 00:16:00Yardie SkepticsnoSkepticism,educationFresh into the new school year, the Yardie Skeptics return this Sunday, September 14 at 12:30 pm EDT (11:3 0am Jamaica time) to ask the question, are we devotinhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/yardieskeptics/2014/08/31/yardie-skeptics-radio-s-2-ep-21-away-with-the-rhodes-scholarshipEducationhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/yardieskeptics/2014/08/31/yardie-skeptics-radio-s-2-ep-21-away-with-the-rhodes-scholarship/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/yardieskeptics/2014/08/31/yardie-skeptics-radio-s-2-ep-21-away-with-the-rhodes-scholarshipSun, 31 Aug 2014 16:30:00 GMTYardie Skeptics Radio (S. 2, ep. 21): Away with the Rhodes Scholarship?"I contend that we are the finest race in the world and that the more of the world we inhabit the better it is for the human race. Just fancy those parts that are at present inhabited by the most despicable specimens of human beings what an alteration there would be if they were brought under Anglo-Saxon influence, look again at the extra employment a new country added to our dominions gives." - Cecil Rhodes, 1902 (extract from last will and testament) The Yardie Skeptics turn their attention to the most prestigious international scholarship - the Rhodes Scholarship - this Sunday, August 31st at 12:30pm EDT (11:30am Jamaica time) to ask the unthinkable; is it time to abandon the Rhodes Scholarship? The endowment for this scholarship comes directly from the exploitative venture of Rhode's mining company in South Africa, where it was well known that Rhodes fully supported British imperialism on account of inherent white supremacy. Why is it then that this scholarship is so celebrated given it's very dark history? Should scholars from former British colonies turn down these scholarships in the future out of respect, or should they accept and convert the proceeds into a force for positive change?  You don't want to miss this episode as we are joined in studio by Rhodes Scholar, and former selection committee member, Dr. David McBean. To listen to this episode live, or catch the uploaded version afterwards, simply click the link below. Join the live chatroom to to ask questions and share your comments or call in via Skype to talk to the hosts.  Yardie Skeptics Radio "The home of the ackee of rationality and the saltfish of skepticism" http://www.blogtalkradio.com/yardieskeptics 01:48:00Yardie SkepticsnoJamaican,skepticism,atheism,critical thinking,secularism"I contend that we are the finest race in the world and that the more of the world we inhabit the better it is for the human race. Just fancy those parts that ahttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/yardieskeptics/2014/08/24/yardie-skeptics-s-2-ep-20-secularizing-national-symbolsEducationhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/yardieskeptics/2014/08/24/yardie-skeptics-s-2-ep-20-secularizing-national-symbols/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/yardieskeptics/2014/08/24/yardie-skeptics-s-2-ep-20-secularizing-national-symbolsSun, 24 Aug 2014 16:30:00 GMTYardie Skeptics (S. 2, ep 20): Secularizing National SymbolsHave the Yardie Skeptics gone completely mad? Why do they want to take their heathen wagon and steamroll the Christian connection with Jamaica's national symbols? The national anthem, a prayer from start to finish, and the national pledge, said "before God", both demonstrate how Christianity has co-opted Jamaica's national symbols, and the Yardie Skeptics have those symbols in their sights!  Is it time to consider national symbols which truly reflect the faith diversity in Jamaica? Or are there more pressing areas for secularization before turning attention to songs and pledges? Join the Yardie Skeptics this Sunday, August 24th at 12:30pm EDT (11:30am Jamaica time) as we dissect the issues at stake. Joining us live in studio will be Dr. Anna Perkins, Catholic theologian.  At the start of the show, during the grab bag segment, we talk to Renee-Lauren Ellis and Lisa Soares, organizers of the recently concluded Caribbean Youth Summit in Philadelphia to get a report on the issues being tackled by Caribbean youth as it relates to identity, gender, and sexuality among other concerns.  To listen to this episode live, or catch the uploaded version afterwards, simply click the link below. Feel free to call in via Skype or participate in the live chatroom to share your comments and ask questions.  Yardie Skeptics Radio  "The Home of the Ackee of Rationality and the Saltfish of Skepticism"  http://www.blogtalkradio.com/yardieskeptics? 02:02:00Yardie SkepticsnoJamaican,skepticism,atheism,critical thinking,secularismHave the Yardie Skeptics gone completely mad? Why do they want to take their heathen wagon and steamroll the Christian connection with Jamaica's national symbolhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/yardieskeptics/2014/08/17/yardie-skeptics-s2-ep19-the-state-of-gender-equality-in-post-indep-jamaicaEducationhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/yardieskeptics/2014/08/17/yardie-skeptics-s2-ep19-the-state-of-gender-equality-in-post-indep-jamaica/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/yardieskeptics/2014/08/17/yardie-skeptics-s2-ep19-the-state-of-gender-equality-in-post-indep-jamaicaSun, 17 Aug 2014 16:30:00 GMTYardie Skeptics (s.2, ep.19) The State of Gender Equality in post-Indep JamaicaThe Yardie Skeptics are roaring back from their two week mid-season break with the usual provocative topics served up by the ineffable Fire Breather and Cool Dude! This Sunday, August 17th at 12:30pm EDT (11:30am Jamaica time) the Skeptics are back to tackle the contentious issue of gender equality in the post independence era. How far have we come as a society in ensuring that women and men operate on a level playing field? Are women poised to finally receive equal treatment in all aspects of Jamaican life, or is there a push to hearken back to the "good old days" when women "knew their place?" Be sure to check it out! As if that wasn't enough, earlier in the show we catch up with the newest public atheist on the block, Keiran King, and ask him about his recent Gleaner article which declares there is no transcendent meaning to life. And for desert, we examine the curious suggestion by government minister Damion Crawford that Jamaica's problems are due to a decrease in the fear of God. Does he have a point, or is this the usual bullshit we've come to expect from elected representatives? Oh yeah, we're back alright! To listen to this episode live or catch the uploaded version afterwards, simply click the link below. Feel free to call in via Skype or participate in the live chatroom to share your views and ask questions. http://www.blogtalkradio.com/yardieskeptics Yardie Skeptics Radio "The home of the ackee of rationality and the saltfish of skepticism!" 02:03:00Yardie SkepticsnoJamaican,skepticism,atheism,critical thinking,secularismThe Yardie Skeptics are roaring back from their two week mid-season break with the usual provocative topics served up by the ineffable Fire Breather and Cool Duhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/yardieskeptics/2014/07/27/yardie-skeptics-s2ep18-listening-to-our-listeners-changes-and-transitionsEducationhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/yardieskeptics/2014/07/27/yardie-skeptics-s2ep18-listening-to-our-listeners-changes-and-transitions/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/yardieskeptics/2014/07/27/yardie-skeptics-s2ep18-listening-to-our-listeners-changes-and-transitionsSun, 27 Jul 2014 16:30:00 GMTYardie Skeptics (s.2.ep.18) Listening to our listeners, changes and transitionsThe Yardie Skeptics close off their series on "Changes and Transitions" this Sunday, July 27th at 12:30pm (11:30am Jamaica time) by turning the lens on YOU our loyal supporters. This Sunday we'll have a Listening to Our Listeners segment where we want you to call in and tell us about the kinds of changes and transitions happening with you and/or the kinds of changes and transitions you'd like to see for yourselves and your country. With all that's going on in the world these days, we sure could use some changes if not full scale upheavals.  Halfway through the show, we'll connect with psychology graduate and intern Christina Fenton who will engage with the Yardie Skeptics on the topic of mental health stigma and the methods we can use to gradually change attitudes on this matter.  To listen to this episode live, or catch the archived version afterwards, simply go to the link below. Join the live chatroom on the day of the interview to share your views and ask questions.  Yardie Skeptics "The home of the the ackee of rationality and the saltfish of skepticism"  http://www.blogtalkradio.com/yardieskeptics 02:03:00Yardie SkepticsnoJamaican,skepticism,atheism,critical thinking,secularismThe Yardie Skeptics close off their series on "Changes and Transitions" this Sunday, July 27th at 12:30pm (11:30am Jamaica time) by turning the lens on YOU ourhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/yardieskeptics/2014/07/20/yardie-skeptics-s-2-ep-17-coming-out-atheistEducationhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/yardieskeptics/2014/07/20/yardie-skeptics-s-2-ep-17-coming-out-atheist/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/yardieskeptics/2014/07/20/yardie-skeptics-s-2-ep-17-coming-out-atheistSun, 20 Jul 2014 16:30:00 GMTYardie Skeptics (S. 2, ep 17): Coming Out AtheistWhat happens to someone, especially from a very religious community from the Caribbean, when they finally find the courage to boldly declare that they're atheist? Is there any way they can prepare for the potential fall out from family and community? Are Caribbean atheists destined to be relegated to the category of social pariahs or will they be able to stand boldly in the light of reason and assert their non-belief? The Yardie Skeptics continue their changes and transitions theme on Sunday, July 20th at 12:30pm EDT (11:30am Jamaica time) as we consider the potential implications of coming out atheist. Joining us live in studio will be Ferlin Pedro, Guyanese national and founder of the Guyana Secular Movement, as well as members from his group. What has the experience been like for Ferlin when he came out to his family in the deeply religious country of Guyana? And how has he progressed since then?  In the first half of the show we'll conclude our interview with author, poet, and Brooklyn based educator Mo Beasley on the subject of "Religion, Sexuality and Spirituality in the African American Community."   Tune in and catch this revealing episode! To listen live, or catch the archived version afterwards, simply click the link below. Join the discussion in the live chatroom where you can share your views and aske questions, or call in live and interact with your guests on air.  Yardie Skeptics Radio "The home of the ackee of rationality and the saltfish of skepticism" http://www.blogtalkradio.com/yardieskeptics 02:02:00Yardie SkepticsnoJamaican,skepticism,atheism,critical thinking,secularismWhat happens to someone, especially from a very religious community from the Caribbean, when they finally find the courage to boldly declare that they're atheishttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/yardieskeptics/2014/07/13/yardie-skeptics-radio-s-2-ep-16-coming-out-transgenderEducationhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/yardieskeptics/2014/07/13/yardie-skeptics-radio-s-2-ep-16-coming-out-transgender/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/yardieskeptics/2014/07/13/yardie-skeptics-radio-s-2-ep-16-coming-out-transgenderSun, 13 Jul 2014 16:30:00 GMTYardie Skeptics Radio (S. 2, ep. 16): Coming Out TransgenderJoin the Yadie Skeptics this Sunday, July 13th at 12:30pm as we begin our "changes and transitions" episodes for the remainder of July starting off with a discussion of the social and psychological implications of transitioning from one gender to the next. Joining us live in studio will be Alexa Hoffman, Barbadian national who underwent an mtf (male-to-female) gender reassignment.  What has been the overall experience of Alexa, and how does she cope with the stigma and confusion meted out to trans persons even sometimes by the wider LGBT community?  Earlier in the program, in our grab bag session, we talk with Dr. Tonya Haynes and Dr. Angela Nixon about their article, "No Science is Neutral" on the controversial Prof. Bain affidavit http://groundationgrenada.com/2014/07/01/no-science-is-neutral-a-long-hard-look-at-bains-affidavit-and-the-aftermath/ To listen to this episode live, or catch the archived version afterwards, click the link below. Feel free to log into the live chatroom and leave your comments and questions.  Yardie Skeptics Radio "The home of the ackee of rationality and the saltfish of skepticism" 02:02:00Yardie SkepticsnoJamaican,skepticism,atheism,critical thinking,secularismJoin the Yadie Skeptics this Sunday, July 13th at 12:30pm as we begin our "changes and transitions" episodes for the remainder of July starting off with a discuhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/yardieskeptics/2014/07/06/yardie-skeptics-s2-ep15-sex-ed-201--sex-ed-for-allEducationhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/yardieskeptics/2014/07/06/yardie-skeptics-s2-ep15-sex-ed-201--sex-ed-for-all/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/yardieskeptics/2014/07/06/yardie-skeptics-s2-ep15-sex-ed-201--sex-ed-for-allSun, 06 Jul 2014 16:30:00 GMTYardie Skeptics (s2. ep.15) Sex Ed 201 - Sex Ed for All"I may be bad, but I'm totally good at it, Sex in the air and I like the smell of it,  Stick and stones may break my bones,  But chains and whips excite me!"  - Rihanna, S&M Returning hot and bothered from last week's episode, Sex Ed 101, the Yardie Skeptics are heading back to into the classroom this Sunday, June 6th at 12:30pm EDT (11:30am Jamaica time) this time undertaking a comprehensive sex education for one and all. What exactly is age appropriate education and what should the content look like? Are children expected to have one "talk" with their parents, or should this be an ongoing discussion into adolescence? And what does a proficient sex IQ look like for adults?  Tune into the Yardie Skeptics Radio for this timely discussion. As Jamaicans at home are still up in arms about the recent "inappropriateness" of a sex education manual used in state run children's homes, what are the standards for sex education found around the globe? You don't want to miss this episode as we go for high honours and graduate cum laude from "University Erotica!" To listen to this episode live, or access the archived version, simply click the link below. Log into the live chatroom and leave your questions or comments for the hosts. Yardie Skeptics Radio  "The home of the ackee of rationality and the saltfish of skepticism" http://www.blogtalkradio.com/yardieskeptics 02:04:00Yardie SkepticsnoJamaican,skepticism,atheism,critical thinking,secularism"I may be bad, but I'm totally good at it, Sex in the air and I like the smell of it,  Stick and stones may break my bones,  But chains and whips excite me!"http://www.blogtalkradio.com/yardieskeptics/2014/06/29/yardie-skeptics-s2-ep-14--sex-ed-101-for-menEducationhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/yardieskeptics/2014/06/29/yardie-skeptics-s2-ep-14--sex-ed-101-for-men/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/yardieskeptics/2014/06/29/yardie-skeptics-s2-ep-14--sex-ed-101-for-menSun, 29 Jun 2014 16:30:00 GMTYardie Skeptics (s.2, ep. 14) - Sex Ed 101 for men!The Yardie Skeptics close off our month long focus on men and masculinity this Sunday, June 29th at 12:30pm EDT (11:30am Jamaica time) with a no holds barred discussion of Sex Ed! Are Jamaican men sufficiently educated about matters of sex AND sexuality? What should sex education look like in modern societies today? Do men experience sexual insecurity? Is religious conservatism a help or hindrance to accurate and comprehensive sex education? Come jam with the Yardie Skeptics this Sunday as the men sit in the classroom and get schooled by the women! Special guests live in studio are Dr. Karen Carpenter, clinical psychologist and certified sexologist, and Shaneka MzNice Harris, who declares herself to be an adventurous "sexplorer." And we want to hear from YOU the men out there as well - what are some of the sexual myths and misconceptions you harboured while growing up and how you overcame them. To listen to this episode live, or access the archived version afterwards, simply click the link below. Feel free to call in via the guest phone number of through Skype (free of charge), or share your views in the live chatroom. Yardie Skeptics Radio episodes are available in the iTunes store or from any podcasting app on Android.  Yardie Skeptics Radio  "The home of the ackee of rationality and the saltfish of skepticism" http://www.blogtalkradio.com/yardieskeptics 02:03:00Yardie SkepticsnoJamaican,skepticism,atheism,critical thinking,secularismThe Yardie Skeptics close off our month long focus on men and masculinity this Sunday, June 29th at 12:30pm EDT (11:30am Jamaica time) with a no holds barred dihttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/yardieskeptics/2014/06/22/yardie-skeptics-s2-ep13-real-men-dont-cryEducationhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/yardieskeptics/2014/06/22/yardie-skeptics-s2-ep13-real-men-dont-cry/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/yardieskeptics/2014/06/22/yardie-skeptics-s2-ep13-real-men-dont-crySun, 22 Jun 2014 16:30:00 GMTYardie Skeptics (s.2, ep.13) Real Men Don't CryReal Men Don't Cry: Interrogating matters of depression, abuse and stress in men and boys: Specia guest -Dr. Tammy Haynes, Jamaican clinical psychologist/neuro-psychologist.   This show is hosted by two of Jamaica's most outspoken secular humanists - Clive Forrester, linguist and professor at York University in Toronto, and Hilaire Sobers, human rights lawyer in Washington DC. We have spent copious amounts of time debating with and challening the notion that Christian privelege should proceed unchecked in Jamaica, and have successfully managed to rally a group of other secularists to collaborate on a publication (forthcoming 2013). This radio show provides a medium in which skeptics can discuss matters of science, critical thinking, religious imposition, and the seperation of church and state all from a Jamaican perspective, but playing close attention to the interconnectedness on the global landscape. Tune in as we tackle the big questions each and every Sunday at 12:30EST (1:30PM Jamaican time) - lively banter, music and trivia, probing questions... we are Yardie Skeptics.  02:03:00Yardie SkepticsnoJamaican,skepticism,atheism,critical thinking,secularismReal Men Don't Cry: Interrogating matters of depression, abuse and stress in men and boys: Specia guest -Dr. Tammy Haynes, Jamaican clinical psychologist/neurohttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/yardieskeptics/2014/06/15/yardie-skeptics-s2ep12-fatherhood-masculinity-and-religionEducationhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/yardieskeptics/2014/06/15/yardie-skeptics-s2ep12-fatherhood-masculinity-and-religion/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/yardieskeptics/2014/06/15/yardie-skeptics-s2ep12-fatherhood-masculinity-and-religionSun, 15 Jun 2014 16:30:00 GMTYardie Skeptics (s.2,ep12) Fatherhood, Masculinity and ReligionFatherhood, Masculinity and Religion: Must fathers ascribe to the idea of divine male leadership? Guests: Dr. Peter Weller, Owen "Blacka" EllisTune in as we tackle the big questions each and every Sunday at 12:30EDT (11:30am Jamaican time) - lively banter, music and trivia, probing questions... we are Yardie Skeptics.  02:03:00Yardie SkepticsnoJamaican,skepticism,atheism,critical thinking,secularismFatherhood, Masculinity and Religion: Must fathers ascribe to the idea of divine male leadership? Guests: Dr. Peter Weller, Owen "Blacka" EllisTune in as we tachttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/yardieskeptics/2014/06/08/yardie-skeptics-s2-ep11-marginalized-man-or-male-privilegeEducationhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/yardieskeptics/2014/06/08/yardie-skeptics-s2-ep11-marginalized-man-or-male-privilege/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/yardieskeptics/2014/06/08/yardie-skeptics-s2-ep11-marginalized-man-or-male-privilegeSun, 08 Jun 2014 16:30:00 GMTYardie Skeptics (s.2, ep.11) Marginalized man or male privilege?  "You see man made the cars To take us over the road Man made the train To carry the heavy load Man made the electric light To take us out of the dark Man made the boat for the water Like Noah made the ark" - James Brown, "It's a Man's World"  Well, so what? Is this really a man's world? Is there something inherently unique about masculinity which promotes innovation in science, technology, and commerce or was it because the "other gender" was strategically excluded from such opportunities? Is there a gender specific role for men in society, and if so, who determines this? Are men now truthfully experiencing a systemic institutionalized marginalization or is this charge of marginalization pointless bellyaching as society moves towards gender equality?  The Yardie Skeptics will be continuing their month long examination of masculinity this Sunday, June 8th at 12:30pm EDT (11:30am Jamaica time) as we ask the question, is it a man's world? Tune in and be a part of this timely and relevant discussion! To listen to this episode live, or catch the archived version afterwards, simply click the link below. Call in via the guest number or via Skype (free of charge) or log into the live chatroom to ask questions and post comments.  http://www.blogtalkradio.com/yardieskeptics Yardie Skeptics Radio  "The home of the ackee of rationality and the saltfish of skepticism"? 02:01:00Yardie SkepticsnoJamaican,skepticism,atheism,critical thinking,secularism"You see man made the cars To take us over the road Man made the train To carry the heavy load Man made the electric light To take us out of the dark Mhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/yardieskeptics/2014/06/01/yardie-skeptics-s2-e10-happy-1st-birthday-to-yardie-skepticsEducationhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/yardieskeptics/2014/06/01/yardie-skeptics-s2-e10-happy-1st-birthday-to-yardie-skeptics/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/yardieskeptics/2014/06/01/yardie-skeptics-s2-e10-happy-1st-birthday-to-yardie-skepticsSun, 01 Jun 2014 16:30:00 GMTYardie Skeptics (s.2, e10) Happy 1st birthday to Yardie Skeptics!Happy Birthday!!  The Yardie Skeptics will be celebrating their 1st anniversary this Sunday June 1st at 12:30pm EDT (11:30am Jamaica time) and you're invited! Join the Yardie Skeptics as we do a year in review, looking back at how we started out as a concept one day during an internet chat and have grown into a veritable alternate media house, the first of its kind, dedicated to secularism, humanism, and skepticism all from a Jamaican perspective.  You also don't want to be missing as we roll out the discussion on men and masculinity, the theme for the entire month of June, and do a quick survey of some of the most pertinent issues facing men and boys today in Jamaica. Are men really marginalized? Is it our "divine" role to lead? Do we have a clue about romance? And can a brother just get a shoulder to cry on?  Joining us live in studio will be some of the men who've been supporting the Yardie Skeptics from the get go, and if you're listening in feel free to call in and ask them about their take on masculinity. It's the Yardie Skeptics' birthday, but we're celebrating YOU! To listen to this episode live, or catch the archived version afterwards, simply click the link below. Phone lines are open once the show starts and if you live outside the US you can call in via Skype free of charge. Alternately come hang out in the live chatroom and share your views! Yardie Skeptics The home of the ackee of rationality and the saltfish of skepticism http://www.blogtalkradio.com/yardieskeptics 02:02:00Yardie SkepticsnoJamaican,skepticism,atheism,critical thinking,secularismHappy Birthday!!  The Yardie Skeptics will be celebrating their 1st anniversary this Sunday June 1st at 12:30pm EDT (11:30am Jamaica time) and you're invited!http://www.blogtalkradio.com/yardieskeptics/2014/05/25/yardie-skeptics-s2-ep-9-brendon-bain--victim-or-villainEducationhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/yardieskeptics/2014/05/25/yardie-skeptics-s2-ep-9-brendon-bain--victim-or-villain/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/yardieskeptics/2014/05/25/yardie-skeptics-s2-ep-9-brendon-bain--victim-or-villainSun, 25 May 2014 16:30:00 GMTYardie Skeptics (s.2, ep. 9): Brendon Bain - victim or villain?In light of the recent firestorm set off by the dismissal of Prof. Brendan Bain, former head of Caribbean HIV/AIDS Regional Training (CHART), the Yardie Skeptics team will be turning our attention to dissecting the contending issues at play. Was Prof. Bain unfairly dismissed as a result of his honest expert opinion, or did he engage in professional misconduct and rightly deserve the outcome? Do his supporters have a case for arguing a violation of free speech, or is this nothing more than the typical Christian buffoonery? Has UWI acted in defence of academic integrity, or buckled under the pressure of the global "Gaystapo?"  And, where is Prof. Bain in the maelstrom?  If you're a supporter of Prof. Brendan Bain, the Yardie Skeptics team wants to hear from you! Call in this Sunday, May 25th at 12:30pm EDT (11:30am Jamaica time) and share your views live on air during the broadcast. But be prepared for some strident push-back! This is a no-holds-barred discussion, not the "we can't offend our sponsors" style of media you might be familiar with. So you don't want to miss it! 02:03:00Yardie SkepticsnoJamaican,skepticism,atheism,critical thinking,secularismIn light of the recent firestorm set off by the dismissal of Prof. Brendan Bain, former head of Caribbean HIV/AIDS Regional Training (CHART), the Yardie Skeptichttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/yardieskeptics/2014/05/18/yardie-skeptics-s2-ep8-violence-against-womenEducationhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/yardieskeptics/2014/05/18/yardie-skeptics-s2-ep8-violence-against-women/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/yardieskeptics/2014/05/18/yardie-skeptics-s2-ep8-violence-against-womenSun, 18 May 2014 16:30:00 GMTYardie Skeptics (s.2, ep.8) Violence Against WomenYou know the scenario... you have a neighbour who is deathly afraid of her spouse. She's not very social, always seems unsure of herself, displays signs of depression, and, she says it's just a rash, but you know those are bruises from being hit. At nights, you hear the shouting, the tussling, the screaming, maybe even dishes being thrown across the room. In the morning you see the tell-tale evidence of abuse. You say to her, "You don't deserve that, you need to leave!" But, nothing changes; she stays, and it happens again that night.  Is it your business to do anything over and above advice? Do you call the police? Do you confront the abuser? Or do you butt out? Is domestic violence your business? Is it a national problem?  This Sunday, June 18th at 12:30pm EDT (11:30am Jamaica time) join the team of Yardie Skeptics as we make domestic violence our business. How can the community tackle domestic violence without crossing boundaries into policing the domestic affairs of neighbours? We'll have a pre-recorded interview from Sgt. Heather McLean of the Jamaican Constabulary Force, who has launched the Facebook group "Save Our Women" to discuss issues pertaining to violence against women. Also live in studio will be judge Margarette Macaulay, formerly of the Inter-American Court of Human rights and leading figure in the establishment of the Domestic Violence Act.  To listen to this episode live, or access the archived version afterwards, simply click the link below. Feel free to call in via Skype (free of charge) or log into the live chatroom to share your views and ask questions. Email: yardieskeptics@gmail.com.  http://www.blogtalkradio.com/yardieskeptics     02:02:00Yardie SkepticsnoJamaican,skepticism,atheism,critical thinking,secularismYou know the scenario... you have a neighbour who is deathly afraid of her spouse. She's not very social, always seems unsure of herself, displays signs of deprhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/yardieskeptics/2014/05/11/yardie-skeptics-s2-ep7-corporal-punishment-and-child-abuseEducationhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/yardieskeptics/2014/05/11/yardie-skeptics-s2-ep7-corporal-punishment-and-child-abuse/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/yardieskeptics/2014/05/11/yardie-skeptics-s2-ep7-corporal-punishment-and-child-abuseSun, 11 May 2014 16:30:00 GMTYardie Skeptics (s.2, ep.7) Corporal Punishment and Child AbuseThe team of Yardie Skeptics turns the microscope of skepticism on the practice of corporal punishment, especially as it relates to children, this Sunday May 11th at 12:30pm EDT (11:30am Jamaica time). Why are parents still holding on to this archaic and most times cruel method of behaviour modification? Could it be that there is actually some value in strapping a child across the back until marks appear, and then parading it on social media for all the world to show their approval? Is this meant for the benefit of the child, or simply to satisfy the ego of the parent/guardian? Is religion a driving force behind this reliance on corporal punishment, or is there simply something particularly deficient about Caribbean children which prevents the non-violent "new age" methods from working on them? Di damn pickney dem too rude! If you're a parent, or you've had a good whooping during your lifetime, you need to tune into this program and share your views. Joining us live in studio will be Dr. Sandra Knight and Taitu Heron who approach this issue from the perspective of research and child psychology. If you are an adherent of the "spare the rod and spoil the child" philosophy we're eager to hear from you!  To listen to this interview live or access the archived episode later, simply click the link below. Call in via the guest phone number or by using the Skype feature (free of cost) or log on to the live chatroom to share your views in real time.  Dr. Sharon Smith, outspoken secularist, feminist and long time supporter of the Yardie Skeptics Network now serves as show producer. Tune in as we tackle the big questions each and every Sunday at 12:30 EDT (11:30AM Jamaican time) - lively banter, music and trivia, probing questions... we are Yardie Skeptics.  02:02:00Yardie SkepticsnoJamaican,skepticism,atheism,critical thinking,secularismThe team of Yardie Skeptics turns the microscope of skepticism on the practice of corporal punishment, especially as it relates to children, this Sunday May 11thttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/yardieskeptics/2014/05/04/yardie-skeptics-s2-ep6-feminism-motherhood-and-religionEducationhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/yardieskeptics/2014/05/04/yardie-skeptics-s2-ep6-feminism-motherhood-and-religion/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/yardieskeptics/2014/05/04/yardie-skeptics-s2-ep6-feminism-motherhood-and-religionSun, 04 May 2014 16:30:00 GMTYardie Skeptics (S.2, Ep.6) Feminism, Motherhood, and ReligionOn this episode we tackle the subject of  "Feminism, Motherhood, and Religion: Does a good woman have to be a "godly" woman?" Special guests for tomorrow's episode will be American academic, humanist and feminist Dr. Sikivu Hutchinson and Jamaican author, atheist, and teacher Zay D. Green. Sikivu is the author of Moral Combat: Black Atheists, Gender Politics, and the Values Wars (2011), while Zay is the author of Christianity and Black Oppression: Duppy Know Who Fe Frighten (2012). This show is hosted by two of Jamaica's most outspoken secular humanists - Clive Forrester, linguist and professor at York University in Toronto, and Hilaire Sobers, human rights lawyer in Washington DC. We have spent copious amounts of time debating with and challening the notion that Christian privelege should proceed unchecked in Jamaica, and have successfully managed to rally a group of other secularists to collaborate on a publication (forthcoming 2013). This radio show provides a medium in which skeptics can discuss matters of science, critical thinking, religious imposition, and the seperation of church and state all from a Jamaican perspective, but playing close attention to the interconnectedness on the global landscape. Tune in as we tackle the big questions each and every Sunday at 12:30EST (1:30PM Jamaican time) - lively banter, music and trivia, probing questions... we are Yardie Skeptics.  Contact us at yardieskeptics@gmail.com. 02:02:00Yardie SkepticsnoJamaican,skepticism,atheism,critical thinking,secularismOn this episode we tackle the subject of  "Feminism, Motherhood, and Religion: Does a good woman have to be a "godly" woman?" Special guests for tomorrow's epihttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/yardieskeptics/2014/04/27/yardie-skeptics-s2-ep-5--interrogating-science-educationEducationhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/yardieskeptics/2014/04/27/yardie-skeptics-s2-ep-5--interrogating-science-education/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/yardieskeptics/2014/04/27/yardie-skeptics-s2-ep-5--interrogating-science-educationSun, 27 Apr 2014 16:30:00 GMTYardie Skeptics (S.2, Ep 5) - Interrogating science educationScience Education: Methods of promoting science education in the classroom and the public sphere Special guest: Dr. David Ince, renewable energy specialist; co-host Freethinking Island   Tune in as we tackle the big questions each and every Sunday at 12:30EST (1:30PM Jamaican time) - lively banter, music and trivia, probing questions... we are Yardie Skeptics.  02:04:00Yardie SkepticsnoJamaican,skepticism,atheism,critical thinking,secularismScience Education: Methods of promoting science education in the classroom and the public sphere Special guest: Dr. David Ince, renewable energy specialist; cohttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/yardieskeptics/2014/04/20/yardie-skeptics-s2-ep4-faith-healingEducationhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/yardieskeptics/2014/04/20/yardie-skeptics-s2-ep4-faith-healing/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/yardieskeptics/2014/04/20/yardie-skeptics-s2-ep4-faith-healingSun, 20 Apr 2014 16:30:00 GMTYardie Skeptics (s.2 ep.4) -"Faith" Healing  Why exactly do people think faith healing works? Are faith healers simply taking advantage of people's gullibility and exploiting them for cash? Should faith healers who mimic medical procedures be charged for fraud? What is the societal impact of foregoing actual medical treatment in favour of faith healing?  Join the Yardie Skeptics this Sundayas we lift the veil off the practice of faith healing. Are these practitioners actually curing illnesses, or are they nothing more than glorified snake oil salesmen? If you know a faith healer or think you've been healed by their "powers" the Yardie Skeptics wants to hear from you! Yardie Skeptics Radio "The home of the ackee of rationality and the saltfish of skepticism" ? 02:01:00Yardie SkepticsnoJamaican,skepticism,atheism,critical thinking,secularismWhy exactly do people think faith healing works? Are faith healers simply taking advantage of people's gullibility and exploiting them for cash? Should faithhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/yardieskeptics/2014/04/13/yardie-skeptics-s-2-ep-3-secularism-in-africa-wanlovEducationhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/yardieskeptics/2014/04/13/yardie-skeptics-s-2-ep-3-secularism-in-africa-wanlov/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/yardieskeptics/2014/04/13/yardie-skeptics-s-2-ep-3-secularism-in-africa-wanlovSun, 13 Apr 2014 16:30:00 GMTYardie Skeptics (S. 2, ep 3) Secularism in Africa -Wanlov This show is hosted by two of Jamaica's most outspoken secular humanists - Clive Forrester, linguist and professor at York University in Toronto, and Hilaire Sobers, human rights lawyer in Washington DC. We have spent copious amounts of time debating with and challening the notion that Christian privelege should proceed unchecked in Jamaica, and have successfully managed to rally a group of other secularists to collaborate on a publication (forthcoming 2013). This radio show provides a medium in which skeptics can discuss matters of science, critical thinking, religious imposition, and the seperation of church and state all from a Jamaican perspective, but playing close attention to the interconnectedness on the global landscape. Tune in as we tackle the big questions each and every Sunday at 12:30EST (1:30PM Jamaican time) - lively banter, music and trivia, probing questions... we are Yardie Skeptics.  01:59:00Yardie SkepticsnoJamaican,skepticism,atheism,critical thinking,secularismThis show is hosted by two of Jamaica's most outspoken secular humanists - Clive Forrester, linguist and professor at York University in Toronto, and Hilaire Shttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/yardieskeptics/2014/04/06/yardie-skeptics-s-2-ep-2-lgbt-crisis-in-ugandaEducationhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/yardieskeptics/2014/04/06/yardie-skeptics-s-2-ep-2-lgbt-crisis-in-uganda/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/yardieskeptics/2014/04/06/yardie-skeptics-s-2-ep-2-lgbt-crisis-in-ugandaSun, 06 Apr 2014 16:30:00 GMTYardie Skeptics (S. 2, ep 2) LGBT crisis in Uganda This show is hosted by two of Jamaica's most outspoken secular humanists - Clive Forrester, linguist and professor at York University in Toronto, and Hilaire Sobers, human rights lawyer in Washington DC. We have spent copious amounts of time debating with and challening the notion that Christian privelege should proceed unchecked in Jamaica, and have successfully managed to rally a group of other secularists to collaborate on a publication (forthcoming 2013). This radio show provides a medium in which skeptics can discuss matters of science, critical thinking, religious imposition, and the seperation of church and state all from a Jamaican perspective, but playing close attention to the interconnectedness on the global landscape. Tune in as we tackle the big questions each and every Sunday at 12:30EST (1:30PM Jamaican time) - lively banter, music and trivia, probing questions... we are Yardie Skeptics.  02:01:00Yardie SkepticsnoJamaican,skepticism,atheism,critical thinking,secularismThis show is hosted by two of Jamaica's most outspoken secular humanists - Clive Forrester, linguist and professor at York University in Toronto, and Hilaire Shttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/yardieskeptics/2014/03/30/yardie-skeptics-s-2-ep-1-no-holds-barred-with-keiran-kingEducationhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/yardieskeptics/2014/03/30/yardie-skeptics-s-2-ep-1-no-holds-barred-with-keiran-king/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/yardieskeptics/2014/03/30/yardie-skeptics-s-2-ep-1-no-holds-barred-with-keiran-kingSun, 30 Mar 2014 16:30:00 GMTYardie Skeptics (S. 2, ep 1.): No Holds Barred with Keiran KingYou heard that right, the Yardie Skeptics are back!! Returning from a successful first season the Yardie Skeptics are finally back to launch into season 2 of the popular talk radio program probing issues of secularism, critical thinking, religious imposition, science and society. This is your chance to join the Yardie Skeptics yet again as we dive into the topical issues related to secularism impacting on the regional and international scenes.  Season 2 starts off this Sunday, March 30th at 12:30pm DST (11:30am Jamaica time) with a bang as we invite the newest columnist for the Jamaica Gleaner, Keiran King, to come and engage with Cool Dude and Fire Breather. King exploded into the public sphere with his scathing critique of "The Voice-mania" and went on to pour salt into the wound when he turned his attention to the Bible only two columns later. King has been called every name from "bad mind", "heathen", and "sell out" to "witty", "great writer" and "uncompromising." This is your chance to talk directly with Keiran King and find out what makes him tick and what kind of devastation has visited his email inbox! 02:02:00Yardie SkepticsnoJamaican,skepticism,atheism,critical thinking,secularismYou heard that right, the Yardie Skeptics are back!! Returning from a successful first season the Yardie Skeptics are finally back to launch into season 2 of thhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/yardieskeptics/2013/11/24/yardie-skeptics-ep-25-season-1-finale-and-reviewEducationhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/yardieskeptics/2013/11/24/yardie-skeptics-ep-25-season-1-finale-and-review/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/yardieskeptics/2013/11/24/yardie-skeptics-ep-25-season-1-finale-and-reviewSun, 24 Nov 2013 23:30:00 GMTYardie Skeptics (Ep. 25): Season 1 Finale and ReviewThat's a wrap! Come hang out with the Yardie Skeptics one final Sunday, November 24th at 6:30pm, as we bring a close to our inaugural season! None of us would've thought that an online radio station set up to challenge religious hegemony and promote skepticism and critical thinking among Jamaicans at home and in the diaspora would've caught on. But here we are, 6 months, 25 episodes, 50 hours, and 15,840 listens later!  In the season ender, we look back at what got us started with this radio blog as well as some of the interesting topics and guests we've covered for the first season. We're asking our loyal supporter, and even the curious, to call into the season finale and tell us about your favourite episode/topic and what you hope for us to cover when we resume in 2014.  02:04:00Yardie SkepticsnoJamaican,skepticism,atheism,critical thinking,secularismThat's a wrap! Come hang out with the Yardie Skeptics one final Sunday, November 24th at 6:30pm, as we bring a close to our inaugural season! None of us would'vhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/yardieskeptics/2013/11/17/yardie-skeptics-ep24-decriminalization-of-ganjaEducationhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/yardieskeptics/2013/11/17/yardie-skeptics-ep24-decriminalization-of-ganja/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/yardieskeptics/2013/11/17/yardie-skeptics-ep24-decriminalization-of-ganjaSun, 17 Nov 2013 17:30:00 GMTYardie Skeptics (Ep.24) Decriminalization of GanjaWhat does Jamaica have to lose from the decriminalization of marijuana/ganga for personal use? Why does ganga continue to be vilified despite the volumes of scientific research which have demonstrated its medicinal value? Are there any mitigating socioeconomic factors which haven't been taken into consideration in this discussion? Could Jamaica's heavily religious society have anything to do with it? The team of Yardie Skeptics plans to roll the fattest spliff and puff the smoke to high heavens this Sunday, November 17th at 12:30pm. Join us and we just might pass the chillum your way! We'll be joined live in studio by Dr. Damion Blake, adjunct professor in political science at Virginia Tech to discuss the competing issues at stake.  To listen to this episode live, or access the archived version afterwards, simply click the link below. Feel free to call in and share your views via the guest call in line, or call directly via Skype (free). Alternately, join the live chatroom to ask questions and share your views.  Yardie Skeptics Radio "The home of the ackee of rationality and the saltfish of skepticism." Posts View Declines   01:32:00Yardie SkepticsnoJamaican,skepticism,atheism,critical thinking,secularismWhat does Jamaica have to lose from the decriminalization of marijuana/ganga for personal use? Why does ganga continue to be vilified despite the volumes of scihttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/yardieskeptics/2013/11/10/yardie-skeptics-ep23-investigating-healthcare-1Educationhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/yardieskeptics/2013/11/10/yardie-skeptics-ep23-investigating-healthcare-1/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/yardieskeptics/2013/11/10/yardie-skeptics-ep23-investigating-healthcare-1Sun, 10 Nov 2013 17:30:00 GMTYardie Skeptics (Ep.23) Investigating HealthcareWhat's the deal with healthcare these days? Is Jamaican healthcare equipped to deal with the increasing rate of lifestyle illnesses such as diabetes and obesity caused from mimicking North American habits? Is free public healthcare a sustainable practice for Jamaica and other developing societies?  Is there a connection between healthcare and rationality? Given the advances in science and medicine, do "alternative" medical practices such as homeopathy and the "bush doctor" still have a place in modern healthcare? Might Jamaicans be putting their health in jeopardy by relying on these alternative methods? Join the crew of Yardie Skeptics this Sunday, November 10th at 12:30pm as we investigate healthcare. Joining us live in studio will be Dr. Allyson G. Hall, Jamaican born associate professor at University of Florida in the Department of Health Services Research, Management, and Policy and Research Director for the University of Florida Center for Medicaid and the Uninsured.  In the second half of the show we'll be joined by Dr. Dennis McIntosh, anesthesiologist living in Florida.  02:02:00Yardie SkepticsnoJamaican,skepticism,atheism,critical thinking,secularismWhat's the deal with healthcare these days? Is Jamaican healthcare equipped to deal with the increasing rate of lifestyle illnesses such as diabetes and obesityhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/yardieskeptics/2013/11/03/yardie-skeptics-ep-22-technology-and-rationalityEducationhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/yardieskeptics/2013/11/03/yardie-skeptics-ep-22-technology-and-rationality/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/yardieskeptics/2013/11/03/yardie-skeptics-ep-22-technology-and-rationalitySun, 03 Nov 2013 17:30:00 GMTYardie Skeptics (Ep. 22) Technology and RationalityOne the one hand, technology seems to have a fair amount of saturation in Jamaica - most persons have access to the internet, social networking is pervasive, and an astronomical amount of pings are sent each day. So why aren't we capitalizing on the use of technology in key areas such as education, the law and governance, social services and security? What kind of opportunities might Jamaica be missing out on by not taking full advantage of it's technological capacity? Are lack of resources to blame or is it due to a lack of critical thinking? Join the Yardie Skeptics this Sunday, November 3rd at 12:30pm EST as we investigate the status of technological advancement in Jamaica and whether there is a connection between technology and rationality. Our special guests for this episode will be Mark Wynter, former managing director of Jamaica Digiport and Yvonne McCalla-Sobers, chair of the Jamaica government's Jamaica E-Learning Company.  02:04:00Yardie SkepticsnoJamaican,skepticism,atheism,critical thinking,secularismOne the one hand, technology seems to have a fair amount of saturation in Jamaica - most persons have access to the internet, social networking is pervasive, anhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/yardieskeptics/2013/10/27/yardie-skepticsEducationhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/yardieskeptics/2013/10/27/yardie-skeptics/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/yardieskeptics/2013/10/27/yardie-skepticsSun, 27 Oct 2013 16:30:00 GMTYardie Skeptics (Ep. 21) Ghouls, Ghosts and the Supernatural   Why do we still believe in ghosts? How is it that today in the 21st century belief in a supernatural realm which runs parallel to our world still persist? Is it simply wilful ignorance, lack of education, or are we hard-wired for magical thinking? Is belief in supernatural entities an impediment to human development, and is there any substantive difference between superstition and religion?    02:03:00Yardie SkepticsnoJamaican,skepticism,atheism,critical thinking,secularismWhy do we still believe in ghosts? How is it that today in the 21st century belief in a supernatural realm which runs parallel to our world still persist? Ishttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/yardieskeptics/2013/10/20/yardie-skepticsEducationhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/yardieskeptics/2013/10/20/yardie-skeptics/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/yardieskeptics/2013/10/20/yardie-skepticsSun, 20 Oct 2013 16:30:00 GMTYardie Skeptics (Ep. 20) HIV/AIDS   What is the status of HIV stigma in the Caribbean? Do myths and misconceptions still abound about the disease? Have there been any breakthroughs in terms of reversing the epidemic or a vaccination? How are things looking on the global front - are we fighting a losing battle or have we finally started to make headway against this disease? Does religion play a role in the assistance or hindrance of the fight against HIV?   01:49:00Yardie SkepticsnoJamaican,skepticism,atheism,critical thinking,secularismWhat is the status of HIV stigma in the Caribbean? Do myths and misconceptions still abound about the disease? Have there been any breakthroughs in termshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/yardieskeptics/2013/10/13/yardie-skepticsEducationhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/yardieskeptics/2013/10/13/yardie-skeptics/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/yardieskeptics/2013/10/13/yardie-skepticsSun, 13 Oct 2013 16:30:00 GMTYardie Skeptics (Ep. 19) Domestic violence and the LawHow serious is domestic violence in Jamaica and the wider Caribbean region? Does the idea that a victim of domestic violence somehow "deserves it" still linger? Do cultural assumptions like this serve to desensitize communities to the harm of domestic violence? Women are usually the centre of focus, but men and children also suffer from domestic violence too - why aren't their voices heard? And what is the role of the law in all of this?  02:03:00Yardie SkepticsnoJamaican,skepticism,atheism,critical thinking,secularismHow serious is domestic violence in Jamaica and the wider Caribbean region? Does the idea that a victim of domestic violence somehow "deserves it" still linger?http://www.blogtalkradio.com/yardieskeptics/2013/10/06/yardie-skeptics-ep18-the-reparation-debateEducationhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/yardieskeptics/2013/10/06/yardie-skeptics-ep18-the-reparation-debate/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/yardieskeptics/2013/10/06/yardie-skeptics-ep18-the-reparation-debateSun, 06 Oct 2013 16:30:00 GMTYardie Skeptics (Ep.18) The Reparation debate   Can there be any REAL reparations for the Atlantic trading in enslaved Africans? If the enslaved Africans lost more than economic autonomy, why is reparations always framed in economic terms? Who exactly should be paying the reparations and who should be the beneficiaries? Shouldn't we at least wait until slavery is completely eradicated globally before we calculate the bill? And, isn't it time we moved past this particular scourge in history?  The team of Yardie Skeptics addresses the reparations matter in this episode. How should the razor of skepticism and critical thinking be applied in this issue - surgically? Or is it time for hack and slashing? Our special guest in studio will be Prof. Verene Shepherd of the University of the West Indies and Chair of the Reparations Commission set up to interrogate the issue. Tune in and share your views on this controversial topic or just pass through to check out our resistance and liberation playlist with musical bombs from Marley, Tosh, and Burning Spear. 02:04:00Yardie SkepticsnoJamaican,skepticism,atheism,critical thinking,secularismCan there be any REAL reparations for the Atlantic trading in enslaved Africans? If the enslaved Africans lost more than economic autonomy, why is reparationhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/yardieskeptics/2013/09/29/yardie-skepticsEducationhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/yardieskeptics/2013/09/29/yardie-skeptics/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/yardieskeptics/2013/09/29/yardie-skepticsSun, 29 Sep 2013 16:30:00 GMTYardie Skeptics (Ep.17) Listening to our listeners   Welcome to the new Yardie Skeptic feature this Sunday, September 29th, and every 5th Sunday when we Listen to Our Listeners! What do YOU want us to talk about this Sunday? Is there a topic in secularism, science, critical thought that you would like the Yardie Skeptics to tackle this coming Sunday? Should we focus on a local Jamaican issue, a regional Caribbean topic, or go full international for this Sunday? Do you want a philosophical topic, something legal, perhaps something cultural? Heck, do you have a song that you'd like to hear? Well, we want to hear from YOU! Yes, YOU, our loyal supporters. Call in, hang out in the chatroom, send us a text, tweet, like or a +1, this 5th Sunday it's all about YOU! Don't say you weren't told, but you won't have another chance like this until the next 5th Sunday.  To listen to this episode live, or access the archived version, simply click the link below. Call in via the guest line on your US number once the show goes live, use the Skype feature to make a free internet call.  Yardie Skeptics Radio The home of the ackee of rationality and the saltfish of skepticism Tune in as we tackle the big questions each and every Sunday at 12:30EST (1:30PM Jamaican time) - lively banter, music and trivia, probing questions... we are Yardie Skeptics.  02:03:00Yardie SkepticsnoJamaican,skepticism,atheism,critical thinking,secularismWelcome to the new Yardie Skeptic feature this Sunday, September 29th, and every 5th Sunday when we Listen to Our Listeners! What do YOU want us to talk abouhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/yardieskeptics/2013/09/22/yardie-skepticsEducationhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/yardieskeptics/2013/09/22/yardie-skeptics/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/yardieskeptics/2013/09/22/yardie-skepticsSun, 22 Sep 2013 16:30:00 GMTYardie Skeptics (Ep.16) Gay and Christian? Episode 16: Is it Possible to be Gay and Christian? On the one hand there is the Christian stance which makes it clear that homosexuality is an abomination in the sight of God and on the other hand is another Christian stance which makes it clear that "Biblical homosexuality" is not the same as the lived experiences of gay persons who are involved in healthy monogamous relationships. How do gay Christians reconcile what the Bible has expressly laid out on more than one occasion with their sexual orientation? How do fundamentalist Christians reconcile the fact that sexual orientation is not a choice with the orthodox stance on homosexuality? Is being gay a sin, and if it is, is it worse than other sin? Is there a difference between a celibate gay Christian and a celibate straight Christian?  These questions will form the basis of the next episode of the Yardie Skeptics Radio show this Sunday, September 22nd at 12:30pm EST (11:30am Jamaica time). To listen to this episode live, or access the archived version, simply click the link below. Feel free to participate in the live chatroom or call into the program via the guest phone number or Skype (no cost).    02:03:00Yardie SkepticsnoJamaican,skepticism,atheism,critical thinking,secularismEpisode 16: Is it Possible to be Gay and Christian? On the one hand there is the Christian stance which makes it clear that homosexuality is an abomination inhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/yardieskeptics/2013/09/15/yardie-skeptics-ep15-the-myth-of-moderate-christianityEducationhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/yardieskeptics/2013/09/15/yardie-skeptics-ep15-the-myth-of-moderate-christianity/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/yardieskeptics/2013/09/15/yardie-skeptics-ep15-the-myth-of-moderate-christianitySun, 15 Sep 2013 16:30:00 GMTYardie Skeptics (Ep.15) The Myth of Moderate ChristianityWhat's the deal with "moderate" Christians? They distance themselves from the conservatives by claiming that they're not ideologically driven and instead support liberalism, but enable the fundamentalists by either keeping silent or failing to push back against Christian hegemony. You will never see them engage in acts of public buffoonery such as "love marches", but they hardly command any consistent intellectual real estate in public or social media. So, what is really the purpose behind calling oneself a moderate Christian? Do they only "moderately" support the batshit crazy ideas of the Christian left, or are they entirely secularists in their ideological outlook? On this episode we turn the spotlight on the moderate/progressive Christians. Joining us live Natalie Bennett who describes herself as a Christian but one who does not support all of the ideas, Sharon Stephenson who is a moderate Christian, and Postmodernnegro, who describes himself as a "Christian anarchist."    02:04:00Yardie SkepticsnoJamaican,skepticism,atheism,critical thinking,secularismWhat's the deal with "moderate" Christians? They distance themselves from the conservatives by claiming that they're not ideologically driven and instead supporhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/yardieskeptics/2013/09/08/yardie-skeptics-ep-14-dissecting-jamaicas-anti-gang-lawEducationhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/yardieskeptics/2013/09/08/yardie-skeptics-ep-14-dissecting-jamaicas-anti-gang-law/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/yardieskeptics/2013/09/08/yardie-skeptics-ep-14-dissecting-jamaicas-anti-gang-lawSun, 08 Sep 2013 16:30:00 GMTYardie Skeptics (Ep. 14) Dissecting Jamaica's Anti-Gang Law In June of this year, the Jamaican parliament tabled legislation under the Criminal Justice Act (Suppression of Criminal Organisations) which made it a criminal offence to be associated with gangs.  The most controversial portion of the legislation however, makes it anoffence if persons use common or identifying signs, symbols, tattoos or other physical marking, colour or style of dress, graffiti or songs to promote o02:03:00Yardie SkepticsnoJamaican,skepticism,atheism,critical thinking,secularismIn June of this year, the Jamaican parliament tabled legislation under the Criminal Justice Act (Suppression of Criminal Organisations) which made it a criminahttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/yardieskeptics/2013/09/01/yardie-skepticsEducationhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/yardieskeptics/2013/09/01/yardie-skeptics/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/yardieskeptics/2013/09/01/yardie-skepticsSun, 01 Sep 2013 16:30:00 GMTYardie Skeptics (Ep. 13) LGBT Advocacy in Jamaica The team of Yardie Skeptics Radio will tackles the issue of LGBT advocacy in Jamaica head on and iry to answer the question of whether Jamaican LGBT advocacy has a guiding philosophy and how well that guiding philosophy is being adhered to. Have there been any major achievements in Jamaican LGBT advocacy and what have been the draw-backs? Is there tension between the radical and conservative advocates? Which of the two is better for Jamaica? In the first half of the show we are joined by Latoya Nugent, research consultant for JFLAG, blogger, and a "newbie' in the business of LGBT advocacy. Latoya's recent blogpost inspired the title for today's episode and she will addressing some of the triumphs and challenges of advocacy from the point of view of a young Jamaican lesbian.  For the second half, we talk to Danielle Roper, PhD candidate at NYU in Sp02:04:00Yardie SkepticsnoJamaican,skepticism,atheism,critical thinking,secularismThe team of Yardie Skeptics Radio will tackles the issue of LGBT advocacy in Jamaica head on and iry to answer the question of whether Jamaican LGBT advocacy hhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/yardieskeptics/2013/08/25/yardie-skepticsEducationhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/yardieskeptics/2013/08/25/yardie-skeptics/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/yardieskeptics/2013/08/25/yardie-skepticsSun, 25 Aug 2013 16:30:00 GMTYardie Skeptics (Ep. 12) Masculinity and Faith Does a "good man" necessarily have to be a "God-fearing" man? Why do conventional notions of masculinity in the Caribbean depend so heavily on "divine" ordinance? Is there any way to define the "role" of a man without any appeal whatsoever to supernatural beings? What does a man lose when he loses his faith?  These and other questions are addressed as the Yardie Skeptics team discusses the topic "Masculinity and Faith." We are accompanied by special guest Dr. Walter Sistrunk, post-doctoral fellow in Afro-American Studies at  University of Massachusetts Amherst.  Yardie Skeptics, 01:36:00Yardie SkepticsnoJamaican,skepticism,atheism,critical thinking,secularismDoes a "good man" necessarily have to be a "God-fearing" man? Why do conventional notions of masculinity in the Caribbean depend so heavily on "divine" ordinanhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/yardieskeptics/2013/08/18/yardie-skepticsEducationhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/yardieskeptics/2013/08/18/yardie-skeptics/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/yardieskeptics/2013/08/18/yardie-skepticsSun, 18 Aug 2013 16:30:00 GMTYardie Skeptics (Ep. 11) The Psychology of Cult MembershipDo you know someone who is in a cult? Were you ever in a cult once? Are you in a cult right now? Well, don't accept any Kool Aid until you've listened to this episode as we delve into the harmful effects of cult membership on the individual and the family. Join us as we investigate the psychology of the cult phenomenon with special guests Jada Stone and Erick Ackerson who will give personal accounts of their experiences with the occult.  Tune in as we tackle the big questions each and every Sunday at 12:30EST (1:30PM Jamaican time) - lively banter, music and trivia, probing questions... Yardie Skeptics, the home of the ackee of rationality and the saltfish of skepticism.  02:03:00Yardie SkepticsnoJamaican,skepticism,atheism,critical thinking,secularismDo you know someone who is in a cult? Were you ever in a cult once? Are you in a cult right now? Well, don't accept any Kool Aid until you've listened to this ehttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/yardieskeptics/2013/08/11/yardie-skepticsEducationhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/yardieskeptics/2013/08/11/yardie-skeptics/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/yardieskeptics/2013/08/11/yardie-skepticsSun, 11 Aug 2013 16:30:00 GMTYardie Skeptics (Ep. 10) Rationality and Economics Is there a connection between skepticism, critical thinking, and economic development? Can Jamaica pray its way out of economic stagnation? How does religion/superstition enhance or hinder economic progress, and what is the overall cost of religion?  The minds behind Yardie Skeptics Radio investigate the relationship between economic development and critical thinking. We'll be joined by Andre Hind, former senior negotiator at the National Worker's Union (NWU) and business co-owner, and Zay Green, educator and feminist, who has researched the economic toll of religion on the black community. Special appearance by Shirley Fletcher, applied behavioural specialist, who will be discussing her new book "The Dance of Difference: The New Frontier of Sexual Orientation"  02:02:00Yardie SkepticsnoJamaican,skepticism,atheism,critical thinking,secularismIs there a connection between skepticism, critical thinking, and economic development? Can Jamaica pray its way out of economic stagnation? How does religion/suhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/yardieskeptics/2013/08/04/yardie-skepticsEducationhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/yardieskeptics/2013/08/04/yardie-skeptics/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/yardieskeptics/2013/08/04/yardie-skepticsSun, 04 Aug 2013 16:30:00 GMTYardie Skeptics (Ep.9) Polyamory and Monogamy Special guest: Dr. Karen Carpenter, clinical psychologist and sexologist. Also featuring in this episode: a chat with Mandisa Thomas on the recently held Blackout Secular Rally in NY; and also a chat with David Ince and Joy Holloway-D'avilar about the recently formed Caribbean Secular Alliance. This show is hosted by two of Jamaica's most outspoken secular humanists - Clive Forrester, linguist and professor at York University in Toronto, and Hilaire Sobers, human rights lawyer in Washington DC. We have spent copious amounts of time debating with and challening the notion that Christian privelege should proceed unchecked in Jamaica, and have successfully managed to rally a group of other secularists to collaborate on a publication (forthcoming 2013). This radio show provides a medium in which skeptics can discuss matters of science, critical thinking, religious imposition, and the seperation of church and state all from a Jamaican perspective, but playing close attention to the interconnectedness on the global landscape. Tune in as we tackle the big questions each and every Sunday at 12:30EST (1:30PM Jamaican time) - lively banter, music and trivia, probing questions... we are Yardie Skeptics.  02:00:00Yardie SkepticsnoJamaican,skepticism,atheism,critical thinking,secularismSpecial guest: Dr. Karen Carpenter, clinical psychologist and sexologist. Also featuring in this episode: a chat with Mandisa Thomas on the recently held Blachttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/yardieskeptics/2013/07/28/yardie-skepticsEducationhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/yardieskeptics/2013/07/28/yardie-skeptics/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/yardieskeptics/2013/07/28/yardie-skepticsSun, 28 Jul 2013 16:30:00 GMTYardie Skeptics (Ep.8) Patwa and Standard Jamaican English Why hasn't Jamaican Creole been offically recognized as a language in Jamaica?  Why do many Jamaicans continue to dismiss the idea of bilingual instruction in our schools, as a means of mastering BOTH Jamaican Creole and Standard English?   Special guests:   Dahlia Thompson - speech synthesis Dr. Joseph Farquharson - lexicographer, founder Jamaican National Dictionary  Dr. Allison Irvine-Sobers - sociolinguist, human rights researcher Bertram Gayle - Bible translator  Zay Dilette Green author of "Christianity and Black Oppression: Duppy Know Who Fe Frighten."   Tune in as we tackle the big questions e02:06:00Yardie SkepticsnoJamaican,skepticism,sexuality,critical thinking,relationshipsWhy hasn't Jamaican Creole been offically recognized as a language in Jamaica?  Why do many Jamaicans continue to dismiss the idea of bilingual instruction inhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/yardieskeptics/2013/07/21/yardie-skepticsEducationhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/yardieskeptics/2013/07/21/yardie-skeptics/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/yardieskeptics/2013/07/21/yardie-skepticsSun, 21 Jul 2013 16:30:00 GMTYardie Skeptics (Ep.7) Religious intrusion into public spaceSpecial guests will be Taitu Heron and Lloyd D'Aguilar.    This show is hosted by two of Jamaica's most outspoken secular humanists - Clive Forrester, linguist and professor at York University in Toronto, and Hilaire Sobers, human rights lawyer in Washington DC. We have spent copious amounts of time debating with and challening the notion that Christian privelege should proceed unchecked in Jamaica, and have successfully managed to rally a group of other secularists to collaborate on a publication (forthcoming 2013). This radio show provides a medium in which skeptics can discuss matters of science, critical thinking, religious imposition, and the seperation of church and state all from a Jamaican perspective, but playing close attention to the interconnectedness on the global landscape. Tune in as we tackle the big questions each and every Sunday at 12:30EST (1:30PM Jamaican time) - lively banter, music and trivia, probing questions... we are Yardie Skeptics.  02:00:00Yardie SkepticsnoJamaican,skepticism,atheism,critical thinking,secularismSpecial guests will be Taitu Heron and Lloyd D'Aguilar.    This show is hosted by two of Jamaica's most outspoken secular humanists - Clive Forrester, linguishttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/yardieskeptics/2013/07/14/yardie-skepticsEducationhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/yardieskeptics/2013/07/14/yardie-skeptics/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/yardieskeptics/2013/07/14/yardie-skepticsSun, 14 Jul 2013 16:30:00 GMTYardie Skeptics (Ep. 6) Religion, Homophobia, and Misogyny Main topic: Religion and Misogyny; exploring the intersectionalities of religion, homophobia, and misogyny Special guests: Alison Irvine-Sobers, Yvonne McCalla Sobers, Sharon Smith and Damien Marcus Williams This show is hosted by two of Jamaica's most outspoken secular humanists - Clive Forrester, linguist and professor at York University in Toronto, and Hilaire Sobers, human rights lawyer in Washington DC. We have spent copious amounts of time debating with and challening the notion that Christian privelege should proceed unchecked in Jamaica, and have successfully managed to rally a group of other secularists to collaborate on a publication (forthcoming 2013). This radio show provides a medium in which skeptics can discuss matters of science, critical thinking, religious imposition, and the seperation of church and state all from a Jamaican perspective, but playing close attention to the interconnectedness on the global landscape. Tune in as we tackle the big questions each and every Sunday at 12:30EST (1:30PM Jamaican time) - lively banter, music and trivia, probing questions... we are Yardie Skeptics.  02:02:00Yardie Skepticsnomisogyny,skepticism,women,critical thinking,secularismMain topic: Religion and Misogyny; exploring the intersectionalities of religion, homophobia, and misogyny Special guests: Alison Irvine-Sobers, Yvonne McCallhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/yardieskeptics/2013/07/07/yardie-skepticsEducationhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/yardieskeptics/2013/07/07/yardie-skeptics/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/yardieskeptics/2013/07/07/yardie-skepticsSun, 07 Jul 2013 17:30:00 GMTYardie Skeptics (Ep.5) Navigating Gay Marriage Special guests - married couples: Maurice Tomlinson & Tom Decker and Asa DeMatteo & Thom Brady Also to appear on this episode:  Shirley Anderson Fletcher, author of The Dance of Difference: http://www.danceofdifference.com/ This show is hosted by two of Jamaica's most outspoken secular humanists - Clive Forrester, linguist and professor at York University in Toronto, and Hilaire Sobers, human rights lawyer in Washington DC. We have spent copious amounts of time debating with and challening the notion that Christian privelege should proceed unchecked in Jamaica, and have successfully managed to rally a group of other secularists to collaborate on a publication (forthcoming 2013). This radio show provides a medium in which skeptics can discuss matters of science, critical thinking, religious imposition, and the seperation of church and state all from a Jamaican perspective, but playing close attention to the interconnectedness on the global landscape. Tune in as we tackle the big questions each and every Sunday at 12:30EST (1:30PM Jamaican time) - lively banter, music and trivia, probing questions... we are Yardie Skeptics.  02:00:00Yardie SkepticsnoJamaican,skepticism,LGBT,critical thinking,secularismSpecial guests - married couples: Maurice Tomlinson & Tom Decker and Asa DeMatteo & Thom Brady Also to appear on this episode:  Shirley Anderson Fletcher, authttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/yardieskeptics/2013/06/30/yardie-skeptics-ep-4-law-lawyers-and-religionEducationhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/yardieskeptics/2013/06/30/yardie-skeptics-ep-4-law-lawyers-and-religion/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/yardieskeptics/2013/06/30/yardie-skeptics-ep-4-law-lawyers-and-religionSun, 30 Jun 2013 16:30:00 GMTYardie Skeptics (Ep. 4) Law, Lawyers, and Religion Special guests: Senator, the Hon. Mark Golding, Minister of Justice of Jamaica;  Ian Wilkinson, QC, President of the Jamaican Bar Association. Why do we still have an Obeah Act on the books? Why is blasphemy still a crime? Where were the voices of the legal profession when the Charter of Rights was passed with theocratic deformities? What is the Bar Association's position on the law that criminalizes buggery?   We will also have, as a special guest - Taitu Heron. Taitu, who likes to describe herself as a "Conscious Being" (but who is also a Gender Analyst) will join us to speak about her new initiative to challenge Jamaica's laws on abortion. In this regard, Taitu has pointed out that not only is abortion criminalized in Jamaica, but that the Charter of Rights makes it impossible to challenge the law that so criminalizes abortion. Taitu's initiative comes in the wake of Minister Lisa Hanna's recent call for Jamaica's abortion laws to be reviewed. This radio show provides a medium in which skeptics can discuss matters of science, critical thinking, religious imposition, and the seperation of church and state all from a Jamaican perspective, but playing close attention to the interconnectedness on the global landscape. Tune in as we tackle the big questions each and every Sunday at 12:30P02:01:00Yardie SkepticsnoJamaican,skepticism,atheism,critical thinking,secularismSpecial guests: Senator, the Hon. Mark Golding, Minister of Justice of Jamaica;  Ian Wilkinson, QC, President of the Jamaican Bar Association. Why do we stillhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/yardieskeptics/2013/06/23/yardie-skeptics-ep-3-skepticism-and-the-jamaican-mediaAtheismhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/yardieskeptics/2013/06/23/yardie-skeptics-ep-3-skepticism-and-the-jamaican-media/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/yardieskeptics/2013/06/23/yardie-skeptics-ep-3-skepticism-and-the-jamaican-mediaSun, 23 Jun 2013 16:30:00 GMTYardie Skeptics (Ep. 3) Skepticism and the Jamaican Media Join us as we discuss skepticism and the Jamaican media. Our featured guests will be Cliff Hughes (of Nation News Network), Kathy Barrett (former news editor of RJR) and Lloyd D'Aguilar (host of online radio show - Looking Back, Looking Forward) This show is hosted by two of Jamaica's most outspoken secular humanists - Clive Forrester, linguist and professor at York University in Toronto, and Hilaire Sobers, human rights lawyer in Washington DC. We have spent copious amounts of time debating with and challening the notion that Christian privelege should proceed unchecked in Jamaica, and have successfully managed to rally a group of other secularists to collaborate on a publication (forthcoming 2013). This radio show provides a medium in which skeptics can discuss matters of science, critical thinking, religious imposition, and the seperation of church and state all from a Jamaican perspective, but playing close attention to the interconnectedness on the global landscape. Tune in as we tackle the big questions each and every Sunday at 12:30PM EST (1:30PM Jamaican time) - lively banter, music and trivia, probing questions... we are Yardie Skeptics.  02:01:00Yardie SkepticsnoJamaican,skepticism,atheism,critical thinking,secularismJoin us as we discuss skepticism and the Jamaican media. Our featured guests will be Cliff Hughes (of Nation News Network), Kathy Barrett (former news editorhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/yardieskeptics/2013/06/16/yardie-skeptics-ep-2-psychology-of-religious-beliefEducationhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/yardieskeptics/2013/06/16/yardie-skeptics-ep-2-psychology-of-religious-belief/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/yardieskeptics/2013/06/16/yardie-skeptics-ep-2-psychology-of-religious-beliefSun, 16 Jun 2013 16:30:00 GMTYardie Skeptics (Ep. 2) Psychology of Religious Belief Why are religious persons constantly accused of being delusional, unhinged or downright “crazy?” Is this a fair assessment of religious belief given that highly educated persons are also religious? How do such intelligent persons reconcile articles of faith with the observed reality? Why do believers cling to a particular faith when no evidence exists to substantiate their claims?  Join Clive and Hilaire this Sunday June 16th at 12:30pm est (11:30am Jamaica time) as we try to answer these questions with the assistance of Jamaican neuropsychologist Dr. Tammy Haynes. Dr. Haynes will give us an insight into the nature of the believing brain as we contemplate the psychology of religious belief.  Tune in every Sunday @ 12:30Pm EST as we tackle the big topics, and mix it up with music, banter and fun!     01:50:00Yardie Skepticsnoreligion,psychology,skepticism,critical thinking,mental healthWhy are religious persons constantly accused of being delusional, unhinged or downright “crazy?” Is this a fair assessment of religious belief given thathttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/yardieskeptics/2013/06/09/yardie-skeptics-ep-1-caribbean-secular-movementEducationhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/yardieskeptics/2013/06/09/yardie-skeptics-ep-1-caribbean-secular-movement/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/yardieskeptics/2013/06/09/yardie-skeptics-ep-1-caribbean-secular-movementSun, 09 Jun 2013 16:30:00 GMTYardie Skeptics (Ep. 1) "Caribbean Secular Movement" SPECIAL GUESTS FOR JUNE 9: Angeline Jackson, Jonathan Bellot, Joy Holloway D'Avilar and David Ince. This show is hosted by two of Jamaica's most outspoken secular humanists - Clive Forrester, linguist and professor at York University in Toronto, and Hilaire Sobers, human rights lawyer in Washington DC. We have spent copious amounts of time debating with and challenging the notion that Christian privilege should proceed unchecked in Jamaica, and have successfully managed to rally a group of other secularists to collaborate on a publication (forthcoming 2013). This radio show provides a medium through which skeptics can discuss matters of science, critical thinking, religious imposition, and the separation of church and state all from a Jamaican perspective, but paying close attention to the interconnectedness on the global landscape. Tune in as we tackle the big questions each and every Sunday at 12:30PM-EST(1:30PM Jamaican time)- lively banter, music and trivia, probing questions... we are Yardie Skeptics.  02:01:00Yardie Skepticsnosecularism,atheism,coalition-building,Caribbean,religionSPECIAL GUESTS FOR JUNE 9: Angeline Jackson, Jonathan Bellot, Joy Holloway D'Avilar and David Ince. This show is hosted by two of Jamaica's most outspoken sechttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/yardieskeptics/2013/06/02/pilotAtheismhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/yardieskeptics/2013/06/02/pilot/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/yardieskeptics/2013/06/02/pilotSun, 02 Jun 2013 18:30:00 GMTPilotThis will be our first airing of the show YardieSkeptics! In this pilot episode we introduce ourselves and our work, explain why it is important to foster skepticism and critical thinking, lay out the case of a secular Jamaica and have fun while doing all that! We'll be ironing out any kinks in our equipment so keep an eye out for the occasional blooper - this episode will be a collector's item! Tune in and hangout with YardieSkeptics. 01:43:00Yardie Skepticsnopilot episode,Jamaica,secularism,atheism,critical thinkingThis will be our first airing of the show YardieSkeptics! In this pilot episode we introduce ourselves and our work, explain why it is important to foster skept