Skeptics with a K
Episodes
Episode #459
09 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Alice looks at the prevalence of cancer misinformation on social media and the effects that may be having on cancer patients. Meanwhile, Marsh visits ...
Episode #458
02 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Marsh talks about efforts to reduce the climate impact of cattle, and how it's being received by conspiracy theorists. Meanwhile, Mike is excited ...
Episode #457
26 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Alice looks at the role of peptides in the body, and why they're increasingly being recommended by biohackers and MAHA bros. Meanwhile, Mike finds...
Episode #456
19 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Mike talks about "legal tender", and why it probably doesn't mean what you think it means. Meanwhile, Alice and Marsh argue about whethe...
Episode #455
12 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Marsh looks at the history of AIDS denialism, and its apparent burgeoning resurgence through the world's most listened to podcast. Meanwhile, Alic...
Episode #454
05 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Mike looks at the strange new conspiracy theory that there is a secret new episode of Stranger Things which is landing Netflix any day now. Any day no...
Episode #453
26 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Alice looks at new press reports which claim ultra-processed foods may be driving an increase in bowel cancer in the under-50s. Meanwhile, Mike shouts...
Episode #452
19 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Mike looks at why there are =so many spurious equals signs littering = the Epstein Files. Note: This episode contains references to the crimes of Jeff...
Episode #451
12 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Marsh reads through the Epstein Files, and the lessons and pitfalls skeptics might encounter within... including how he came to appear in the latest d...
Episode #450
05 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Alice gets angry about 'one simple thing they don't want you to know about maxing', which pushes simple answers to problems which may or m...
Episode #449
29 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Marsh investigates a new paper from China, which supposedly shows that drinkers of plant-based milk alternatives are more likely to be depressed. Mean...
Episode #448
22 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Mike looks at the modern days myths surrounding the Betamax format, and Alice has to tackle an infestation of spider mites. Meanwhile, Marsh recounts ...
Episode #447
15 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Alice looks at the updated guidelines from the US government around diet, particularly around alcohol consumption. Meanwhile, Mike spends the weekend ...
Episode #446
08 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Happy New Year! For the first episode of 2026, Marsh takes a look back at the predictions psychics made for 2025 and how many came true.Sign up for th...
Episode #445
18 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Mike looks at stories about Tesco removing Christmas from products to avoid causing offence, and Marsh has an encounter with a fan of Joe Rogan on the...
Episode #444
11 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Marsh talks about what happened when he asked every Trading Standards office about consumer complaints and Cancer Act investigations. Meanwhile, Mike ...
Episode #443
04 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Alice presents her top five favourite bits of Christmas gift wellness woo, before preparing to jet off to Lithuania for a long weekend.You can sign up...
Episode #442
27 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Mike asks what is really happening when people report 'out of body experiences' and how we know. Meanwhile, Alice has to handle a job intervie...
Episode #441
20 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Alice looks at the increase in employers offering egg freezing as a perk of the job, and the knock-on effects of that. Meanwhile, Mike has trouble lea...
Episode #440
13 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Mike takes a brief look at the human trials mentioned in the systematic review being used to support a link between autism and paracetamol.You can sig...
Episode #439
06 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In the aftermath of QED, Marsh talks about the communities skepticism and built and ways they can be used to make a difference. Meanwhile, Mike visits...
Episode #438 - Live from QED 2025
30 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
We are live from QED 2025! Alice talks about Nutmaxxing, where men try to enhance the volume of their semen, Marsh looks as a plug-in gadget which cla...
Episode #437
23 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Alice looks at what happens when you go on a 'dopamine fast' and whether the claims about it from influencers match the biology. Meanwhile, wi...
Episode #436
16 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Mike asks if the Turing Test is really a meaningful tool for gauging the state of artificial intelligence, and the team has the last few announcements...
Episode #435
09 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Marsh drops down a rabbit hole when he starts to look into the makers of 'Ozempatch', which claims to shift stubborn belly fat. Meanwhile, Mik...
Episode #434
02 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Alice investigates new reports that long distance running is somehow associated with increased cancer risk. Meanwhile, the team has the latest news on...
Episode #433
25 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In the wake of the political violence in the USA, Marsh asks why the self-appointed defenders of 'free speech' are so selective about whose sp...
Episode #432
18 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Mike looks at the 'small boat' crossings and what it means for the asylum system in the UK, before being accosted by an Australian man in Wale...
Episode #431
11 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Alice looks at the trendy new superfood and supplement "sea moss", which is claimed to have numerous (and nebulous) health benefits. Meanwhi...
Episode #430
04 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Marsh dives into Reddit ads and discovers a new product which claims to be a firewall for your brain. Meanwhile, Mike orders a Dirty Sprite and is dis...
Episode #429
28 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Mike reviews Ben Shapiro's review of the latest Superman film, and the team has updates for the upcoming QED event. Spoiler warning! There are a l...
Episode #428
21 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Alice looks at the reasons why women have heart attacks misdiagnosed far more often than men, with surprising results. Meanwhile, Mike and Marsh quiz ...
Episode #427
14 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Marsh looks at a supplement pedlar from the UK, attempting to skirt the regulations with thinly disguised claims. Meanwhile, Alice and Marsh go to Bla...
Episode #426
07 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Alice examines the evidence for red light therapy face masks, which are growing in popularity online. Meanwhile, Marsh has contractors in the house ag...
Episode #425
31 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Mike looks at the ramifications and limitations of the Online Safety Bill, which is responsible for the increase in age verification checks appearing ...
Episode #424
24 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Mike looks at the company which claims to be able to spy on you through your mobile phone, and the team returns from the Merseyside Skeptics Summer Pi...
Episode #423
17 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
With the UK on its third heatwave of the year, Marsh asks what role geoengineering can or should play. Meanwhile, Mike has an unexpected knock at the ...
Episode #422
10 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Alice looks at the science underpinning Ozempic and Wegovy, and the impact they have on society. Meanwhile, Mike goes to see Hamilton again. And again...
Episode #421
03 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Marsh talks about the revival of chemtrails, and the people who are trying to 'cure' the sky with vinegar. Meanwhile, Mike returns from holida...
Episode #420
26 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Mike looks at a viral video which claims to have located Heaven and proven where souls go after we die. Meanwhile, Alice has a close encounter with wi...
Episode #419
19 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Alice looks at the evidence around the harmful effects of non-stick cookware, and Marsh has a run-in with drunk passengers on a plane. Meanwhile, Alic...
Episode #418
11 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Marsh outlines his advice for being a skeptical investigator and journalist, and what we can learn from visiting pseudoscience events. Meanwhile, Alic...
Episode #417
05 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Mike examines a new paper which claims that open label placebos are an effective treatment for PMS, and Alice and Marsh visit Barcelona with the Skept...
Episode #416
29 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Alice investigates the sudden hostility to 'seed oils' amongst social media influencers, and how it can be a gateway to more sinister things. ...
Episode #415
22 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Marsh looks at a water filter company which offers to remove chlorine, fluoride, and more from your tap water. Meanwhile, the team visit an escape roo...
Episode #414
15 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Mike looks at the revival of telegony, the 19th Century pseudoscience gaining popularity in the manosphere.Tickets for the final QED are available now...
Episode #413
08 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Alice looks at testosterone home testing kits, and continuing social media pressure on body image. Meanwhile, Mike makes a Doctor Who-related discover...
Episode #412
01 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Alice looks at fenbendazole, the animal anti-parasitic being touted as a possible treatment for cancer, and Mike goes to watch War of the Worlds live ...
Episode #411
24 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Marsh looks at the increase in seemingly fake experts whose quotes have started to decorate news stories. Meanwhile, Mike is getting a new kitchen.You...
Episode #410
17 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Marsh looks at Facebook ads published by Lignosus, a supplement which claims to improve your immune and respiratory wellness. Meanwhile, Alice is not ...
Episode #409
10 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Mike looks at the equation used by the US Government to justify their new trade tariffs. Meanwhile, Alice has had a busy few weeks and the team has ne...
Episode #408
03 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Mike looks at the TikTok creators sneaking products into influencer content while pretending to offer the inside scoop.Listeners who are interested in...
Episode #407
27 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Alice looks again at the hand held relaxation device "Calm Carry", and the people behind the product. Meanwhile, Marsh goes on Malaysian rad...
Episode #406
20 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Marsh looks at some of the unexpected products which have bought advertising space on the show, while dealing with a broken washing machine.You can si...
Episode #405
13 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Marsh looks at the influencer campaign which is 'redefining energy' (and won't leave us alone), while Mike talks about renewed media inter...
Episode #404
06 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Alice talks about a handheld device which claims to reduce insomnia and anxiety. Meanwhile the whole team has been to see Captain America.You can sign...
Episode #403
27 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Marsh investigates press stories about a TikTok 'doctor' who claims to cure a sore throat overnight, and Alice looks at electrolyte hydration ...
Episode #402
20 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Mike looks at the recent paper from Anthropic which shows artificial intelligence can pretend to do one thing while secretly doing something else, and...
Episode #401
13 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Alice looks at the wellness trend of Castor Oil Packs, what they are, and whether they do anything at all. Meanwhile, Mike gets a late Christmas prese...
Episode #400
06 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
It's episode 400! Mike looks at a recent investigation which says that looking at an original work of art is more emotionally impactful than looki...
Episode #399
30 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Marsh returns to the misinformation surrounding around the attack on a dance class in Southport last year, following the sentencing of the perpetrator...
Episode #398
23 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Marsh examines the chart-topping new podcast The Telepathy Tapes, which claims that autistic children are psychic. Plus, Mike goes to buy a kitchen in...
Episode #397
16 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Alice looks at the landscape of beauty trends on TikTok, and the team discuss the upcoming changes to the show for 2025.You can sign up for the new Sk...
Episode #396
02 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome to 2025! For the first episode of the new year, the team run through questions asked by our listeners. Topic include: who wrote our theme tune...
Episode #395
19 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
For the last episode of 2024, Alice talks about Teck Khong, the former-GP-turned-politician and now vocal critic of lockdowns and the Covid vaccine, a...
Episode #394
05 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Recording remotely for the first time since 2020, the team talk about sovereign citizens pushing common law nonsense at the Great Resist conference, a...
Episode #393
21 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Alice and Marsh talk about their experiences with The Great Resist Conference in Derbyshire. Meanwhile, Mike has a personal bone to pick with Amazon.M...
Episode #392
07 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
For the first episode back after QED, Alice talks about the effects of self-talk and Mike investigates claims made by the author of a new book on the ...
Episode #391 - Live at QED 2024
24 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
We are live from QED 2024! Mike talks about the new mathematics of 'Terry-ology', Alice discusses the men who believe that semen retention wil...
Episode #390
10 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In the final episode before QED 2024, the team run down what is happening at the event. Mike talks about how posting 'goodbye Meta AI' won'...
Episode #389
26 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Alice, Mike, and Marsh are joined by special guest Emma, who talks about human egg donation and the people who think it should be stopped. Marsh talks...
Episode #388
12 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Alice looks at the latest TikTok trend of 'sungazing', and Mike digs into a new study which says honest placebos help alleviate stress, anxiet...
Episode #387
29 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Alice looks at the Scandinavian tobacco product Snus, and it's bizarre prevalence amongst English footballers, while Marsh examines the relationsh...
Episode #386
15 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Marsh discusses the recent riots in cities around the UK, and Mike looks at a recent paper which claims to explain how the placebo effect influences p...
Episode #385
01 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Alice looks at the background of Hongchi Xiao, the TCM practitioner recently convicted of manslaughter for his promotion of paida lajin, or 'slapp...
Episode #384
18 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Marsh talks about the winners and losers for skepticism from the UK general election, and Alice looks at the popular Zoe app and the evidence for real...
Episode #383
04 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Alice asks if ultra-processed food is as dangerous as its made out to be, and Mike explains how the Internet was almost stolen. Meanwhile, Alice has t...
Episode #382
20 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Marsh looks at strange polling data coming from the United States, and the research which calls it into question, while Mike looks at the unexpected f...
Episode #381
06 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Marsh looks at the plethora of PR-based articles appearing in national and local newspaper websites, and Mike tackles claims that artificial sweetener...
Episode #380
23 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Alice looks at the promotion of platelet-rich plasma for ‘ovarian rejuvenation‘, and Marsh digs into media reports that Jeremy Clarkson has been v...
Episode #379
09 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Alice looks at the alternative medicine diagnosis of ‘adrenal fatigue’, and Mike talks about the Baltimore bridge disaster and asks when conspirac...
Episode #378
25 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Alice discusses the manufacture of argan oil, and the medicinal claims made for it and other similar oils. Meanwhile, Marsh reflects on compassionate ...
Episode #377
11 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Marsh looks at the relationships between the Free Speech Union and the anti-mask/climate change denial website the Daily Sceptic. Meanwhile, Mike repo...
Episode #376
28 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Alice asks why a relatively small article on cider vinegar for weight loss got so much traction, and Mike looks at companies making overblown claims f...
Episode #375
14 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Marsh looks at the environmental and social impact of outdoor digital advertising, and Mike gives the low down on the risks of glyphosate-based weedki...
Episode #374
29 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
With Alice unwell, Mike and Marsh are joined by guest host Kat to talk about their recent meet-up with a group of flat earthers, and Marsh looks at re...
Episode #373
15 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Alice investigates labial peels, the unregulated chemical peel for your vulva, while Mike asks whether we really do need to be drinking eight glasses ...
Episode #372
01 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Marsh investigates the recent appearance of 'ear seeds' on Dragon's Den, while Mike looks at how to change your life literally with Quantu...
Episode #371
18 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Mike, Alice, and Marsh are joined by special guest Lana, who takes a look at the Drug-Free ADHD proponents. Meanwhile, Mike looks the software problem...
Episode #370
04 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome to 2024! Mike, Alice, and Marsh take a break from the usual format to answer listener questions, about skepticism and what we can learn from ...
Episode #369
21 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
For the final show of 2023, Marsh and Alice talk go in-depth on the psychic readings they saw at the Newark Mind-Body-Spirit festival. Meanwhile, Mike...
Episode #368
07 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Mike looks at the popular US supplement Prevagen, and Marsh reports on what happened when he and Alice visited another Mind Body Spirit festival. Mea...
Episode #367
23 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Alice looks at a new product which sells supplements to enhance esports players, and Marsh looks at the health claims made by Gillian Anderson's G...
Episode #366
09 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Mike looks at the all-in-one shopping app Temu and asks if there is more going on that meets the eye, while Alice looks at claims from TikTok that eat...
Episode #365
26 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Marsh fact-checks the parliamentary speech from anti-vaccine MP Andrew Bridgen, and Mike digs into why the first four episodes of Doctor Who are in di...
Episode #364a - Fantastic Fact Cutaway
12 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
With QED behind them, the team take a well deserved rest. Instead, we have this rare archive segment originally recorded for episode 200, when Mike, M...
Episode #364 - Live at QED 2023
28 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Live from QED 2023, Marsh looks at what Gematria says about QED and Skeptics with a K, Alice pokes fun at supplement pedlars Black Forest, and Mike re...
Episode #363
14 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
With QED looming, Alice looks at the burgeoning Kardashian wellness empire 'Poosh', and Marsh asks if there is more to recent calls to ban nit...
Episode #362
31 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This week, Mike talks about software piracy and copy protection, and the risk of a video game black hole, and Marsh looks at recent messaging from the...
Episode #361
17 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this extended episode, Mike looks at the recent 82 minute video from the YouTuber Medlife Crisis about the amazing power of the placebo effect. Mea...