Hello Truth-Seekers and welcome to another episode of Truth Wanted. This week, Fox Mulder returns to aid Objectively Dan on his quest for truth. Hmm? Correction, It’s Ross Blocher of the Oh No Ross and Carrie podcast!

First up is a returning caller, it’s Tony in Mexico, asking about the dangers of Scientology. Ross compares their hard sales tactics to hi-pressure timeshare tactics, and gives us a glimpse into how Scientology sells themselves to new candidates. We get a brief history of the faith, before Dan flat-out recommends against attending a “new members” seminar. Careful Tony!

Next is Bob from Colorado, he claims that psychics at two different times and fairs gave him a similar past life regression story. Bob was a Vietnam-era sniper, and tells us that he has an interest in marksmanship and ballistics. Fascinating coincidence? Ross suggests cold reading techniques may be at play here. Bob’s psychics also told him he would marry a General’s daughter, and he’s married two. Ross thinks Bob had more to do with his marital outcome than the psychic, and all three agree that if you discount the 95% of predictions that weren’t accurate, the remainder isn’t that impressive. Even a broken clock is correct twice a day!

Our Patron of the week is calling! Sheila is an atheist, but still has some superstitious idiosyncrasies, and wants to know why she might be holding on to these. Dan points out that humans are creatures of habit, and habits can be tough to shake. Ross offers that pattern seeking is a human trait, a trait that science and superstition share. Keep that inner dialogue going, and keep asking questions Sheila. You’re never too old to grow as a person, all the best, thank you for supporting the show!

Sprout from Canada is looking for tips on how to investigate like Ross and Carrie do on their podcast. Ross recommends taking notes, and approaching any topic with an open mind. We’re not debunkers, we’re truth seekers! Both hosts recommend being kind, funny, and original. Can’t wait to see what you come up with Sprout!

Jenn in Australia believes that in a past life she was a tree, killed by a strangler fig, and offers her fear of this particular plant as evidence. Jenn does seem to be aware of how preposterous this sounds, but asks our hosts to examine their phobia. Ross points out that consciousness can’t exist without a brain, and since plants don’t have brains, we’d need a mechanism for how a tree’s experience transfers to a human. We think there’s another explanation for this phobia Jenn, and perhaps you do too. (Show Notes Writer: This plant is terrifying, no judgement here Jenn).