Skeptoid
Episodes
Skeptoid #662: Vaccine Denial: Failure Mode Analysis
12 Feb 2019
Contributed by Lukas
The surprising history of how medical science's greatest success has become vilified by so many people. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org...
Skeptoid #661: Rapping with the Fox Sisters
05 Feb 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Myth and mystery surrounds the sisters said to have founded the modern spiritualism industry. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choice...
Skeptoid #660: Feedback and Followups
29 Jan 2019
Contributed by Lukas
A handful of updates to past Skeptoid episodes... eyebrow raising to say the least. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices
Skeptoid #659: Killing Castro
22 Jan 2019
Contributed by Lukas
It's proven the CIA tried to assassinate Castro, but the number of claimed attempts differs wildly. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-...
Skeptoid #658: Ong's Hat
15 Jan 2019
Contributed by Lukas
An urban legend tells of a group of scientists who successfully escaped into another dimension. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choi...
Skeptoid #657: Illuminating the Illuminati
08 Jan 2019
Contributed by Lukas
The surprisingly humble beginnings and even more surprising modern rebirth of the Illuminati. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choice...
Skeptoid #656: And Bigfoot Said...
01 Jan 2019
Contributed by Lukas
We compare vocalizations attributed to Bigfoot with the sounds of real animals known to be in the area. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org...
Skeptoid #655: Stonehenge and the Scope of Uncertainty
25 Dec 2018
Contributed by Lukas
There are things we don't know about Stonehenge, but does that mean we know nothing at all? Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices
Skeptoid #654: Pop Quiz: Consumer Ripoffs
18 Dec 2018
Contributed by Lukas
How well do you know your Skeptoid? Today's pop quiz focuses on consumer ripoffs. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices
Skeptoid #653: The Great Kentucky Meat Shower
11 Dec 2018
Contributed by Lukas
A rain of meat is said to have fallen in rural Kentucky one day in 1876. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices
Skeptoid #652: The Cash-Landrum UFO Incident
04 Dec 2018
Contributed by Lukas
The UFO story seems to defy debunking because of the physical injuries suffered by witnesses. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choice...
Skeptoid #651: The Electric Universe Theory
27 Nov 2018
Contributed by Lukas
Some believe that everything we know about the universe is wrong — and it's all electric. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices
Skeptoid #650: I Believe
20 Nov 2018
Contributed by Lukas
Your beliefs are fallible and can fool you. Be willing to change your mind based on new information. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad...
Skeptoid #649: George Soros Conspiracy Theories
13 Nov 2018
Contributed by Lukas
George Soros remains the focus of many anti-Semitic conspiracy theories. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices
Skeptoid #648: Pop Quiz: Aliens and UFOs
06 Nov 2018
Contributed by Lukas
How well do you know your Skeptoid? Today's pop quiz focuses on aliens and UFOs. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices
Skeptoid #647: All About Mindfulness
30 Oct 2018
Contributed by Lukas
An examination of this super-trendy meditation technique to see whether it lives up to the hype. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-cho...
Skeptoid #646: Animal Earthquake Prediction
23 Oct 2018
Contributed by Lukas
Many people believe animals have the ability to predict earthquakes. The facts tell a different story. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/...
Skeptoid #645: Pop Quiz: Ancient Mysteries
16 Oct 2018
Contributed by Lukas
How well do you know your Skeptoid? Today's pop quiz focuses on ancient mysteries. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices
Skeptoid #644: Parts Unknown: Foreign Conspiracy Theories
09 Oct 2018
Contributed by Lukas
A roundup of conspiracy theories from various countries all around the world. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices
Skeptoid #643: The Mysterious Stone Chambers of New England
02 Oct 2018
Contributed by Lukas
Some believe these stone structures in New England to be evidence of ancient cultures. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices
Skeptoid #642: Pop Quiz: Cryptozoology!
25 Sep 2018
Contributed by Lukas
How well do you know your Skeptoid? Today's pop quiz focuses on cryptozoology. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices
Skeptoid #641: Alternative Veterinary Medicine
18 Sep 2018
Contributed by Lukas
Even in the 21st century, vets and pet owners are turning to prescientific, magic-based medical care. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/a...
Skeptoid #640: Draining the Baghdad Battery
11 Sep 2018
Contributed by Lukas
Many people believe this ancient scroll container was actually an early type of battery. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices
Skeptoid #639: An Exorbitance of Emendations
04 Sep 2018
Contributed by Lukas
Once again, Skeptoid corrects another round of errors found in previous episodes. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices
Skeptoid #638: Cueva de los Tayos and the Lost Metal Library: Part 2
28 Aug 2018
Contributed by Lukas
A closer look at how bad the evidence is that a cave exists filled with golden alien wonders. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choice...
Skeptoid #637: Cueva de los Tayos and the Lost Metal Library: Part 1
21 Aug 2018
Contributed by Lukas
Some people believe that this cave in Ecuador harbors an alien library etched on metallic plates. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-ch...
Skeptoid #636: Epigenetics Woo
14 Aug 2018
Contributed by Lukas
This exciting new(ish) field in genetics has brought with it a slew of snake oil claims. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices
Skeptoid #635: The Effects of Mandated GMO Labeling
07 Aug 2018
Contributed by Lukas
We have good evidence for what to expect from mandated labeling of GMO foods, and it's not good. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-cho...
Skeptoid #634: More Alcohol Myths
31 Jul 2018
Contributed by Lukas
The last show on alcohol myths wasn't good enough for many of you, so here are some more. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices
Skeptoid #633: The Horsey History of Clever Hans
24 Jul 2018
Contributed by Lukas
This early-1900s horse appeared to be able to do math and other feats, and we learned a lot from him. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/a...
Skeptoid #632: Lucid Dreaming
17 Jul 2018
Contributed by Lukas
Some people can control their dreams and do anything they want in them -- or can they? Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices
Skeptoid #631: Listener Feedback: Death of the Lefties
10 Jul 2018
Contributed by Lukas
Skeptoid gets some interesting letters from listeners pertaining to radioactive skeletons and lefties. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/...
Skeptoid #630: The Apes Who Learned Sign Language
03 Jul 2018
Contributed by Lukas
Although many regard Koko as an ape who used sign language, science tells us that ability probably doesn't exist. Learn about your ad choices: doveta...
Skeptoid #629: Three Big Macs a Day
26 Jun 2018
Contributed by Lukas
When we set aside pop food woo, we find that even multiple Big Macs can be part of a healthy daily diet. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.or...
Skeptoid #628: The Swedish Ghost Rockets
19 Jun 2018
Contributed by Lukas
This rash of UFO sightings over Sweden in 1946 has long been considered to be Soviet missile tests. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-...
Skeptoid #627: Gremlins
12 Jun 2018
Contributed by Lukas
These mischievous creatures that sabotage airplanes are claimed by some to be actual physical beings. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/a...
Skeptoid #626: Numerology
05 Jun 2018
Contributed by Lukas
We put this ancient system of divination based on numbers to the test. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices
Skeptoid #625: Your Weird Turn
29 May 2018
Contributed by Lukas
We try to figure out some of the creepiest stories ever sent in by Skeptoid listeners. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices
Skeptoid #624: Zuma, The Phantom Satellite
22 May 2018
Contributed by Lukas
The malfunction said to have doomed this spacecraft may have just been a cover story. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices
Skeptoid #623: Environmental Working Group and the Dirty Dozen
15 May 2018
Contributed by Lukas
This company's annual press releases are intended to frighten you into buying organic. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices
Skeptoid #622: Are You Living in a Simulation?
08 May 2018
Contributed by Lukas
An exploration of the thought experiment that seeks to determine whether we're living in a computer simulation. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail...
Skeptoid #621: The Pentagon's UFO Hunt
01 May 2018
Contributed by Lukas
The Pentagon gave $22 million to a very unlikely group of UFO proponents. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices
Skeptoid #620: Listener Feedback: Provisos, Addenda, and Quid Pro Quos
24 Apr 2018
Contributed by Lukas
Listeners write in with extra information that adds a whole new dimension to some past shows. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choice...
Skeptoid #619: Alcohol Myths
17 Apr 2018
Contributed by Lukas
We point the skeptical eye at five popular beliefs about alcoholic beverages. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices
Skeptoid #618: Are They Real, or Are They Fictional?
10 Apr 2018
Contributed by Lukas
Another round of famous names from the past: Can you guess whether each is real or fictional? Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choice...
Skeptoid #617: 10 Great Science Hoaxes
03 Apr 2018
Contributed by Lukas
A look at those few times when hoaxers came closest to fooling those who knew better. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices
Skeptoid #616: Abiotic Oil
27 Mar 2018
Contributed by Lukas
Some believe that oil comes from geological processes rather than from ancient biomass. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices
Skeptoid #615: Titanic Myths
20 Mar 2018
Contributed by Lukas
Three of the most popular conspiracy theories surrounding the sinking of the Titanic. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices
Skeptoid #614: The Inflammatory Diet
13 Mar 2018
Contributed by Lukas
Why no, in fact you should not avoid certain foods to reduce your body's inflammation. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices
Skeptoid #613: The Kids Who See Blindfolded
06 Mar 2018
Contributed by Lukas
Children throughout India are being taught to see while blindfolded... apparently. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices
Skeptoid #612: The Boy Who Thought He Was Reincarnated
27 Feb 2018
Contributed by Lukas
This boy thought he had lived a past life as a fighter pilot. He had some help getting there. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choice...
Skeptoid #611: All About Grounding
20 Feb 2018
Contributed by Lukas
Some New Agers believe that you can heal virtually any ailment simply by taking off your shoes. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choi...
Skeptoid #610: The Keepers of Flannan Light
13 Feb 2018
Contributed by Lukas
Mystery clouds the story of what happened to these three vanished lighthouse keepers. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices
Skeptoid #609: Were There Irish Slaves in America?
06 Feb 2018
Contributed by Lukas
Online articles claiming the first slaves in the Americas were white are fictional and racially motivated. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx....
Skeptoid #608: Palm Oil Facts and Fiction
30 Jan 2018
Contributed by Lukas
Is it a medical miracle, an environmental disaster, both, or neither? Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices
Skeptoid #607: Do Lobsters Feel Pain?
23 Jan 2018
Contributed by Lukas
What the science says on whether we need to change the way we eat crustaceans. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices
Skeptoid #606: The Murder in the Red Barn
16 Jan 2018
Contributed by Lukas
A murder was said to have been solved by the intervention of the victim's ghost. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices
Skeptoid #605: The Civil War Pterosaur
09 Jan 2018
Contributed by Lukas
This famous Internet photo of Civil War soldiers posing with a pterosaur has a surprising source. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-ch...
Skeptoid #604: Net Neutrality Reexamined
02 Jan 2018
Contributed by Lukas
A skeptic's guide for organizing the issues raised by Net Neutrality. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices
Skeptoid #603: Sonic Weapons in Cuba
26 Dec 2017
Contributed by Lukas
There is a much better explanation than sonic weapons for reported attacks against US diplomats in Cuba. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.or...
Skeptoid #602: Should Moms Eat Placentas?
19 Dec 2017
Contributed by Lukas
The modern practice of Western mothers eating their placentas is a new and strange attention-seeking behavior. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail....
Skeptoid #601: Hiding the Decline: Climategate Demystified
12 Dec 2017
Contributed by Lukas
This infamous scandal was said to have proven global warming was all just a hoax. Umm, no. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices
Skeptoid #600: A Musical Retrospective
05 Dec 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Everything you didn't know about ten years of Skeptoid musical episodes, including the reason. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choic...
Skeptoid #599: Listener Feedback: Creationism and More Dead Paul
28 Nov 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Some updates, notes, and extra information sent in by listeners about recent episodes. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices
Skeptoid #598: The Hudson Valley UFO Mystery
21 Nov 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Hundreds of people watched this UFO over the Hudson River Valley many times between 1983 and 1984. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-c...
Skeptoid #597: The Wisdom of the Future
14 Nov 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Skeptoid corrects a round of past errors, that they might become the wisdom of the future. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices
Skeptoid #596: How to Assess a Documentary
07 Nov 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Some tips to assess whether a documentary is good science or just propaganda. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices
Skeptoid #595: Chasing Malaysian Airlines MH370
31 Oct 2017
Contributed by Lukas
A roundup of the conspiracy theories and the probable true fate of Malaysian Airlines Flight MH370. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-...
Skeptoid #594: Paul Is Dead
24 Oct 2017
Contributed by Lukas
The origins and history of the urban legend that Paul McCartney died and was replaced. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices
Skeptoid #593: I Still Can't Believe They Did That: More Human Guinea Pigs
17 Oct 2017
Contributed by Lukas
A further look at ten more scientists who experimented on themselves for the benefit of mankind. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-cho...
Skeptoid #592: Alert 747: The Vela Incident
10 Oct 2017
Contributed by Lukas
In 1979, a mysterious flash occurred over the southern ocean that could have been a nuclear bomb. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-ch...
Skeptoid #591: Ouija Boards
03 Oct 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Real effects far more interesting than spiritualism claims are behind these famous talking boards. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-c...
Skeptoid #590: Skepticism vs Cynicism
26 Sep 2017
Contributed by Lukas
The line between skepticism and cynicism is a bit too blurry for many people. Today we bring it into focus. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx...
Skeptoid #589: The Big Pharma Conspiracy
19 Sep 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Popular claims of a Big Pharma Conspiracy don't stand up to any rational scrutiny. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices
Skeptoid #588: Celebrity Pseudoscience: 2017 Edition
12 Sep 2017
Contributed by Lukas
A look at which celebrities are currently working hardest to erode the public intellect. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices
Skeptoid #587: What Makes a Good Podcast Episode?
05 Sep 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Stories about urban legends are at their best when there are real people at their center. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices
Skeptoid #586: Volkswagen Dieselgate Reexamined
29 Aug 2017
Contributed by Lukas
In the wake of VW Dieselgate, the government took the wrong steps to solve the wrong problem. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choice...
Skeptoid #585: Relict Japanese Soldiers
22 Aug 2017
Contributed by Lukas
How factual are the urban legends about Japanese soldiers in the Pacific who never heard the war ended? Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org...
Skeptoid #584: Eclipse Myths and Science
15 Aug 2017
Contributed by Lukas
A look at the science-based myths and misconceptions about eclipses, plus some things you might not know. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.o...
Skeptoid #583: Fate of the Feedback
08 Aug 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Skeptoid responds to some listener feedback, updating a few episodes and clarifying some others. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-cho...
Skeptoid #582: Lonnie Zamora and the Socorro UFO
01 Aug 2017
Contributed by Lukas
This famous 1964 UFO sighting by a New Mexico police officer has several interesting explanations. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-c...
Skeptoid #581: Are You Following a Crank?
25 Jul 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Let's have a look at the traits that define a crank, to make sure your new hero isn't one. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices
Skeptoid #580: Amelia Earhart Redux: Competing Networks, Competing Craziness
18 Jul 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Through their constant promotion of false history, TV networks may have done Amelia Earhart's legacy irreparable harm. Learn about your ad choices: d...
Skeptoid #579: Measuring the Age of the Grand Canyon
11 Jul 2017
Contributed by Lukas
The Grand Canyon is millions of years old, not thousands; despite the efforts of Young Earthers. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-cho...
Skeptoid #578: Student Questions: Bitters, Gas, and Diet Woo
04 Jul 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Skeptoid answers another round of questions sent in by students all around the world. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices
Skeptoid #577: What Are the Chances You're Psychic?
27 Jun 2017
Contributed by Lukas
We analyze some of your stories of precognitive experiences. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices
Skeptoid #576: Lights in the Sky
20 Jun 2017
Contributed by Lukas
How likely is the most common type of UFO report to be an alien spacecraft? Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices
Skeptoid #575: How to Surprise a Skeptical Podcaster: Part 2
13 Jun 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Here are the podcast episodes with conclusions that surprised me the most (part 2). Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices
Skeptoid #574: How to Surprise a Skeptical Podcaster: Part 1
06 Jun 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Here are the podcast episodes with conclusions that surprised me the most (part 1). Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices
Skeptoid #573: There Is No Finland: Birth of a Conspiracy Theory
30 May 2017
Contributed by Lukas
A study of how a conspiracy theory as absurd as "There is no Finland" can even exist. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices
Skeptoid #572: True or False Pregnancy
23 May 2017
Contributed by Lukas
False pregnancies are not only real, they're probably more complex than you imagined. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices
Skeptoid #571: Thawing the Minnesota Iceman
16 May 2017
Contributed by Lukas
This sideshow attraction convinced a few real scientists that it was an actual ape-man. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices
Skeptoid #570: More Space Missions You Should Know
09 May 2017
Contributed by Lukas
We take a look at some more of the most exciting space missions, past, present, and future. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices
Skeptoid #569: Principles of Curiosity
02 May 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Three simple steps anyone can follow to learn to tell what's true and what's not. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices
Skeptoid #568: 2 Listener 2 Feedback
25 Apr 2017
Contributed by Lukas
I respond to some listener feedback that enhances some recent episodes of the show. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices
Skeptoid #567: Feral Children
18 Apr 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Those stories about children raised by animals probably aren't what you've been led to believe. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choi...
Skeptoid #566: The Mercury Rivers of Emperor Qin Shi Huang
11 Apr 2017
Contributed by Lukas
A miniature of all China's waterways in liquid mercury is said to be at the heart of the First Emperor's tomb. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail....
Skeptoid #565: The Shag Harbour UFO
04 Apr 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Comparing the actual evidence to the Canadian claim of best evidence for alien visitation. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices
Skeptoid #564: Into Thin Error
28 Mar 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Skeptoid issues another round of corrections to past episodes. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices
Skeptoid #563: Grounding the Ghost of Flight 401
21 Mar 2017
Contributed by Lukas
The unexpected facts behind this famous ghost story from the 1970s. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices