Dancing on the Fringe Dr. Ray Hyman said that people dislike skeptics because skeptics take away Santa Claus and give nothing back. In “Dancing on the Fringe,” Heidi and Rattles talk about why skeptics aren’t the bad guys so many people think they are.
Author Archives: Heidi Shaw
Conversations on the Porch: Episode 1
How to Live in Interesting Times We started a podcast! We’re two sisters on opposite coasts who meet on the virtual porch to talk about things that matter. Pull up a chair and join the conversation. Feeling like the world is a bit chaotic these days? Wondering what one person can do to make aContinue reading “Conversations on the Porch: Episode 1”
Time Theft Is Still Theft–When It’s Not Yours to Spend
A missed meeting without warning may not feel like a big deal—but it is. When you book time with someone and don’t show up, you don’t just “skip” a meeting. You steal their time. That person may have rearranged their schedule, skipped a deep-focus task, or come prepared with notes to make the most ofContinue reading “Time Theft Is Still Theft–When It’s Not Yours to Spend”
Your Heroes Are Holding a Mirror
Why the people you once admired — and those you no longer do — can map your evolving values Do you struggle to put into words what is most important to you? I did. But I just learned the solution: Look at the people you admire. I engage in a lot of workshops. Workshops toContinue reading “Your Heroes Are Holding a Mirror”
Turns Out Grit and Snacks Aren’t a Sustainable Strategy
I used to think systems were for other people. Now I know they’re a gift to your future self.
Grumpy Faces, Good Lessons: A Short Story on Habits
I recorded this short story after two conversations left me thinking hard—one with a former student who felt like a failure, and one with my brother Dean, who has a way of keeping life beautifully simple. It’s about habits, the stories we tell ourselves, and how easy it is to lose sight of what we’veContinue reading “Grumpy Faces, Good Lessons: A Short Story on Habits”
Spotting a Scam: How 1911 Fortune Tellers Still Fool People Today
The scams may change platforms, but the playbook hasn’t changed much since 1911 This post began as a response to my students’ questions. As part of my psychology classes, we explore pseudoscience in the context of science and critical thinking—and how, for example, even modern tools like TikTok can be used to deceive. Spoiler: theContinue reading “Spotting a Scam: How 1911 Fortune Tellers Still Fool People Today”
Heidi-ism #425
Flood-Forwarding: When Good Intentions Overflow (Arbitrary number, genuine wisdom.) I have a tendency I call flood-forward. It’s what happens when I want so badly to be helpful that I overdo it—dumping way more information, options, or “solutions” onto someone than they can use in the moment. It comes from a good place. I see aContinue reading “Heidi-ism #425”
Want to feel more confident on campus?
I’m excited to have just finished building an email course designed to help rising and new college students build confidence in their ability to navigate college. Watch this short video to see if it’s something you’d be interested in. If you’re interested, you can click here to purchase access.
Don’t Look at the Floater!
In this video, I share advice for life from my ophthalmologist.