When it comes to the paranormal, I’ve always admired voices that balance open-mindedness with critical thinking. That’s why Dr. Ciarán O’Keefe is my kind of skeptic. Known to many from BBC’s Uncanny with Danny Robins, Ciarán brings scientific rigor to the mysteries of the supernatural while staying open to possibilities. In this conversation we explore: Why skepticism doesn’t equal cynicism How parapsychology lost visibility in academia and media How ghost hunters can serve as “citizen scientists” by gathering useful data The enduring mystery of cold spots, EMF fluctuations, and environmental triggers Explanations beyond “ghosts are dead people,” including time slips and dimensional slips How a recent medical discovery reshaped thinking about some possession cases Ciarán’s most unforgettable “head-scratching” investigation His role as the resident skeptic on Uncanny—and why he embraces being the “party pooper” Ciarán also shares details about the Uncanny: Fear of the Dark UK tour, with possible plans for a North American run in the future. This episode shows how belief and skepticism, far from being opposites, can fuel better questions and deeper insights into life’s greatest mysteries. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ask this episode

“What did the council decide on item 42?” — answered with the speaker and the moment.