http://skeptoid.com en-us 2006-2013 Skeptoid Media, Inc. All Rights Reserved. A weekly look at the true facts behind urban legends and stories you've probably heard. Brian Dunning Skeptoid is a weekly science podcast dedicated to furthering knowledge by blasting away the widespread pseudosciences that infect popular culture, and replacing them with way cooler reality. Each weekly episode focuses on a single phenomenon — an urban legend, a paranormal claim, alternative therapy, or something just plain stupid — that you've heard of, and that you probably believe in. Skeptoid attempts to expose the folly of belief in non-evidence based phenomena, and more importantly, explains the factual scientific reality. From the sublime to the startling, no topic is sacred, politically incorrect though that may be. Skeptoid is a weekly science podcast dedicated to furthering knowledge by blasting away the widespread pseudosciences that infect popular culture, and replacing them with way cooler reality. Each weekly episode focuses on a single phenomenon — an urban legend, a paranormal claim, alternative therapy, or something just plain stupid — that you've heard of, and that you probably believe in. Skeptoid attempts to expose the folly of belief in non-evidence based phenomena, and more importantly, explains the factual scientific reality. From the sublime to the startling, no topic is sacred, politically incorrect though that may be. Brian Dunning brian@skeptoid.com no skeptic, science, urban legends, paranormal, skepticism, conspiracy theories, history http://skeptoid.com/images/1400.jpg http://skeptoid.com Brian Dunning Did a 1981 video arcade game sicken players while government agents collected the data? An urban legend says that a 1981 video arcade game called Polybius sickened players, or even drove them to suicide, while government agents collected the data. An urban legend says that a 1981 video arcade game called Polybius sickened players, or even drove them to suicide, while government agents collected the data. http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4362 Tue, 14 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT 11:27 polybius, conspiracy, urban legend, video games, arcade Brian Dunning The book and movie "Sybil" told the story of a woman purported to have Multiple Personality Syndrome. The book and movie "Sybil" told the story of a woman purported to have Multiple Personality Syndrome. But how much of it, if any, was true? The book and movie "Sybil" told the story of a woman purported to have Multiple Personality Syndrome. But how much of it, if any, was true? http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4361 Tue, 07 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT 11:50 sybil, mps, multiple personality syndrome, dissociative disorder, dissociative identity disorder Brian Dunning An old story claims a long list of astonishing similarities between the assassinations of Lincoln and Kennedy. An old story claims a long list of astonishing similarities between the assassinations of Lincoln and Kennedy. Are they true, false, taken out of context, or something else? An old story claims a long list of astonishing similarities between the assassinations of Lincoln and Kennedy. Are they true, false, taken out of context, or something else? http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4360 Tue, 30 Apr 2013 00:00:00 GMT 11:07 lincoln, kennedy, john wilkes booth, lee harvey oswald Brian Dunning Some believe that bruise-causing suction on the skin provides a variety of health benefits. Cupping, the practice of putting suction cups on the skin to create bruises, has been around for at least 2000 years. Does its antiquity mean that it has healthful benefits? Cupping, the practice of putting suction cups on the skin to create bruises, has been around for at least 2000 years. Does its antiquity mean that it has healthful benefits? http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4359 Tue, 23 Apr 2013 00:00:00 GMT 10:38 cupping, acupuncture, fire cupping, wet cupping Brian Dunning Skeptoid digs into the feedback mailbag and answers questions about aliens and UFOs. Skeptoid dips into the feedback mailbag and answers questions written in response to episodes about aliens, UFOs, and other scary things from space. Skeptoid dips into the feedback mailbag and answers questions written in response to episodes about aliens, UFOs, and other scary things from space. http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4358 Tue, 16 Apr 2013 00:00:00 GMT 10:02 aliens, ufos, spaceships, men in black Brian Dunning There is a popular fringe theory about human evolution that claims we went through an aquatic phase. One popular fringe theory about human evolution states that we went through an aquatic phase, thus we are hairless, blubbery, and otherwise adapted for life in the water. One popular fringe theory about human evolution states that we went through an aquatic phase, thus we are hairless, blubbery, and otherwise adapted for life in the water. http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4357 Tue, 09 Apr 2013 00:00:00 GMT 10:33 aquatic ape, mermaid, evolution, great apes, hominids, hominins Brian Dunning An Internet legend claims that a man named John Titor is a visitor from the year 2036. An Internet legend claims that a man named John Titor is a visitor from the year 2036. Do we have any reason to take this story at face value, or to dismiss it at face value? An Internet legend claims that a man named John Titor is a visitor from the year 2036. Do we have any reason to take this story at face value, or to dismiss it at face value? http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4356 Tue, 02 Apr 2013 00:00:00 GMT 10:42 john titor, time travel, coast to coast Brian Dunning A B-25 bomber ditched in a Pennsylvania river in broad daylight 1956 and, seemingly impossibly, was never found. A B-25 bomber ditched in a Pennsylvania river in broad daylight 1956. Many witnesses saw it and the survivors are still here. But, incredibly, the big bomber has never been found in the small river. A B-25 bomber ditched in a Pennsylvania river in broad daylight 1956. Many witnesses saw it and the survivors are still here. But, incredibly, the big bomber has never been found in the small river. http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4355 Tue, 26 Mar 2013 00:00:00 GMT 13:27 b-25, monongahela, lost bomber, ghost b-25 Brian Dunning Some say that it wasn't an airliner that struck the Pentagon on 9/11, but a missile. The list of 9/11 conspiracy theories is a long one. Today we look at a few of the claims surrounding the idea that it wasn't an airliner that struck the Pentagon on 9/11, but a missile. The list of 9/11 conspiracy theories is a long one. Today we look at a few of the claims surrounding the idea that it wasn't an airliner that struck the Pentagon on 9/11, but a missile. http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4354 Tue, 19 Mar 2013 00:00:00 GMT 12:42 pentagon, 9/11, september 11, world trade center, wtc7, conspiracy theory Brian Dunning Was a Middle Ages pope actually a woman in disguise? Legend holds that a Middle Ages pope was revealed to be a woman when she unexpectedly gave birth. Is there any truth to this tale? Legend holds that a Middle Ages pope was revealed to be a woman when she unexpectedly gave birth. Is there any truth to this tale? http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4353 Tue, 12 Mar 2013 00:00:00 GMT 12:42 pope, catholic, pope joan, popess, woman pope Brian Dunning This cavity in our atmosphere resonates radio frequency at 7.83 Hz. But is that all it does? This cavity in our atmosphere resonates radio frequency at 7.83 Hz. But is that all it does? Many proponents of alternative medicine and New Age advocates say it does much more. This cavity in our atmosphere resonates radio frequency at 7.83 Hz. But is that all it does? Many proponents of alternative medicine and New Age advocates say it does much more. http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4352 Tue, 05 Mar 2013 00:00:00 GMT 13:26 mother earth, new age, schumann resonance, 7.83, lightning, energy fields Brian Dunning A look at the mysterious government agents said to intimidate those who witness flying saucers. Some say the mysterious black-clad agents who visit UFO witnesses to threaten and intimidate them are from the US Government; others say they come from much farther away. Some say the mysterious black-clad agents who visit UFO witnesses to threaten and intimidate them are from the US Government; others say they come from much farther away. http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4351 Tue, 26 Feb 2013 00:00:00 GMT 13:46 gray barker, albert bender, ufo, aliens, men in black Brian Dunning Skeptoid interviews three of the most popular and controversial figures in modern pseudoscience. Skeptoid interviews three of the most popular and controversial figures in modern pseudoscience: TV doctor Dr. Mehmet Oz, conspiracy theorist Alex Jones, and New Age guru Deepak Chopra. Skeptoid interviews three of the most popular and controversial figures in modern pseudoscience: TV doctor Dr. Mehmet Oz, conspiracy theorist Alex Jones, and New Age guru Deepak Chopra. http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4350 Tue, 19 Feb 2013 00:00:00 GMT 6:18 dr. oz, alex jones, deepak chopra, mehmet oz Brian Dunning A list of ten Hollywood celebrities who have leveraged their fame into the promotion of science. A list of ten Hollywood celebrities who have leveraged their fame to proactively create new resources promoting good science and critical thinking. A list of ten Hollywood celebrities who have leveraged their fame to proactively create new resources promoting good science and critical thinking. http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4349 Tue, 12 Feb 2013 00:00:00 GMT 12:34 science, hollywood, critical thinking, celebrities, movie stars Brian Dunning The true history of the experiment that is said to present the strongest evidence yet for telepathic abilities. The ganzfeld experiments are often claimed to be the strongest evidence yet for telepathic abilities, and yet the history of their analyses reveals that they are anything but. The ganzfeld experiments are often claimed to be the strongest evidence yet for telepathic abilities, and yet the history of their analyses reveals that they are anything but. http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4348 Tue, 05 Feb 2013 00:00:00 GMT 12:42 ganzfeld, psi, telepathy, dean radin, ray hyman, susan blackmore, psychic Brian Dunning This most famous of all fabled "lost mines" has a history that fails to stand up to skeptical scrutiny. The Lost Dutchman is said to be the greatest of all the "lost mines" in the history of the American west, but a closer examination reveals a history that fails to stand up to skeptical scrutiny. The Lost Dutchman is said to be the greatest of all the "lost mines" in the history of the American west, but a closer examination reveals a history that fails to stand up to skeptical scrutiny. http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4347 Tue, 29 Jan 2013 00:00:00 GMT 14:38 lost dutchman, lost dutchman gold mine, tex barkley, adolph ruth, peralta Brian Dunning Skeptoid responds to another round of listener feedback. Skeptoid responds to another round of listener feedback, focusing on criticism of argument techniques. Skeptoid responds to another round of listener feedback, focusing on criticism of argument techniques. http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4346 Tue, 22 Jan 2013 00:00:00 GMT 12:56 organic food, illuminati, freemasonry, cryptozoology Brian Dunning The name of Nikola Tesla is associated with crazy conspiracy claims at least as much as with the real man and his real accomplishments. The name of Nikola Tesla is associated with crazy conspiracy claims at least as much as with the real man and his real accomplishments. In this episode we try to separate what he really did from the pop-culture version. The name of Nikola Tesla is associated with crazy conspiracy claims at least as much as with the real man and his real accomplishments. In this episode we try to separate what he really did from the pop-culture version. http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4345 Tue, 15 Jan 2013 00:00:00 GMT 14:52 tesla, nikola tesla, tesla coil, death ray, death beam Brian Dunning Mongolian tradition holds that a strange and deadly worm lives beneath the sands of the Gobi desert. Mongolian tradition holds that a strange and deadly worm lives beneath the sands of the Gobi desert. How this local belief became a fixture in Western cryptozoology is an even more interesting tale. Mongolian tradition holds that a strange and deadly worm lives beneath the sands of the Gobi desert. How this local belief became a fixture in Western cryptozoology is an even more interesting tale. http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4344 Tue, 08 Jan 2013 00:00:00 GMT 12:54 cryptid, cryptozoology, death worm, olghoi-khorkhoi, allgoi-khorkhoi, mongolia, Ivan Mackerle Brian Dunning Throughout history there have been a number of different beliefs that the Earth might be hollow. Throughout history, different sects have held different beliefs about the Earth being hollow. These have included honest scientific inquiry, occult mysticism, and conspiracy mongering. Throughout history, different sects have held different beliefs about the Earth being hollow. These have included honest scientific inquiry, occult mysticism, and conspiracy mongering. http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4343 Tue, 01 Jan 2013 00:00:00 GMT 13:00 hollow earth, isaace newton, edmond halley, leonhard euler, cyrus teed, ulysses morrow, hohn symmes Brian Dunning A signal received by a radio telescope in 1977 may be the best evidence yet for extraterrestrial intelligence. In 1977 a radio telescope received a signal from deep space so closely matching what we'd expect an alien transmission to look like, that the astronomer on duty circled it and wrote "Wow!" In 1977 a radio telescope received a signal from deep space so closely matching what we'd expect an alien transmission to look like, that the astronomer on duty circled it and wrote "Wow!" http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4342 Tue, 25 Dec 2012 00:00:00 GMT 12:16 wow, seti, aliens, ohio state university, jerry ehrman, john kraus, big ear Brian Dunning Some believe they've cracked the secret of free energy forever with no fuel needed. Is it true? For centuries, mankind has been striving for magically easy solutions to difficult problems, best illustrated by perpetual motion machines that promise limitless free energy. For centuries, mankind has been striving for magically easy solutions to difficult problems, best illustrated by perpetual motion machines that promise limitless free energy. http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4341 Tue, 18 Dec 2012 00:00:00 GMT 12:39 nikola tesla, free energy, perpetual motion, over-unity, overunity, tesla, leonardo da vinci Brian Dunning How you can convince your friends that their conspiracy theories are nonsensical. Skeptoid answers another round of listener feedback emails, this time focusing on conspiracy theories. We look at how you can convince your conspiratorial friends that their theories are nonsensical. Skeptoid answers another round of listener feedback emails, this time focusing on conspiracy theories. We look at how you can convince your conspiratorial friends that their theories are nonsensical. http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4340 Tue, 11 Dec 2012 00:00:00 GMT 10:58 conspiracies, conspiracy theory, 9/11, bohemian club, bohemian grove, terrorism Brian Dunning Skeptoid is now available in Chinese at http://skeptoid.com.cn Skeptoid has tripled its audience reach: Announcing the immediate availability of Skeptoid in Mandarin Chinese, the world's most spoken language, on the Chinese iTunes store and at http://skeptoid.com.cn Skeptoid has tripled its audience reach: Announcing the immediate availability of Skeptoid in Mandarin Chinese, the world's most spoken language, on the Chinese iTunes store and at http://skeptoid.com.cn http://skeptoid.com/episodes/3032 Sun, 09 Dec 2012 00:00:00 GMT 1:11 china, chinese, skeptoid, podcast Brian Dunning The solution to the Bloop mystery sound is finally revealed, and Skeptoid corrects some errors from other episodes. The solution to the Bloop mystery sound is finally revealed, and Skeptoid corrects some errors from other episodes. The solution to the Bloop mystery sound is finally revealed, and Skeptoid corrects some errors from other episodes. http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4339 Tue, 04 Dec 2012 00:00:00 GMT 13:03 bloop, gluten, vitrified forts, scole, richard wiseman, betz Brian Dunning Rumor has it some people think the Earth is flat. Do they really? And have they ever really? Everyone knows the Earth is a globe, and we've known it since the ancient Greeks measured it. So why are there stories of a Flat Earth Society, and related legends? Everyone knows the Earth is a globe, and we've known it since the ancient Greeks measured it. So why are there stories of a Flat Earth Society, and related legends? http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4338 Tue, 27 Nov 2012 00:00:00 GMT 12:41 flat earth, flat earth society, creationism, Pythagoras, shenton, Parallax Brian Dunning Two regions of ocean are said to be mysteriously dangerous. What's the truth behind this popular belief? Pop culture tells us that an unusual number of mysterious disappearances have happened inside the Bermuda Triangle and Japan's Devil's Sea. Is this a true claim, or is there a yet-undiscovered explanation? Pop culture tells us that an unusual number of mysterious disappearances have happened inside the Bermuda Triangle and Japan's Devil's Sea. Is this a true claim, or is there a yet-undiscovered explanation? http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4337 Tue, 20 Nov 2012 00:00:00 GMT 13:37 bermuda triangle, devil's sea, dragon's triangle, larry kusche, ivan sanderson, charles berlitz, situ Brian Dunning When you find a science article on the web, how do you know whether it's reliable or not? A tutorial for learning some of the signs that laypeople can use to discriminate between reliable science information on a website, and crap information on a website. A tutorial for learning some of the signs that laypeople can use to discriminate between reliable science information on a website, and crap information on a website. http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4336 Tue, 13 Nov 2012 00:00:00 GMT 13:33 web, internet, google, science, search, knowledge Brian Dunning Cleansing diets are trendier than ever. But do they actually provide any of the claimed benefits? Cleansing diets are trendier than ever, claiming to clean out your body and cure all kinds of supposed conditions. Do they actually work as advertised, or is it just another trendy fad? Cleansing diets are trendier than ever, claiming to clean out your body and cure all kinds of supposed conditions. Do they actually work as advertised, or is it just another trendy fad? http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4335 Tue, 06 Nov 2012 00:00:00 GMT 14:24 cleansing, master cleanse, blueprint, organic, natural, colon, colonic, health Brian Dunning A mysterious silver ball that seemed to move on its own came to a Florida family in 1974. Was it alien? In 1974, a Florida family found a strange metallic ball that seemed to move around all by itself and had a myriad of other strange powers. What was it, and whatever became of it? In 1974, a Florida family found a strange metallic ball that seemed to move around all by itself and had a myriad of other strange powers. What was it, and whatever became of it? http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4334 Tue, 30 Oct 2012 00:00:00 GMT 12:05 ufo, ufos, aliens, ufology, betz family sphere, betz sphere Brian Dunning Skeptoid answers another round of student questions sent in from all around the world. Skeptoid answers student questions on the medieval dancing plague, the ketogenic diet, bee colony collapse disorder, devolution of humanity, death from cinnamon, and who built the pyramids. Skeptoid answers student questions on the medieval dancing plague, the ketogenic diet, bee colony collapse disorder, devolution of humanity, death from cinnamon, and who built the pyramids. http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4333 Tue, 23 Oct 2012 00:00:00 GMT 12:38 dancing plague, ketogenic, pyramids, colony collapse disorder, cinnamon challenge, devolution Brian Dunning A number of theories claim that several centuries never actually happened, and were faked by the Church. A few fringe conspiracy theorists claim that several centuries never actually happened, and were faked by the Church. How can we tell whether this is true or not? A few fringe conspiracy theorists claim that several centuries never actually happened, and were faked by the Church. How can we tell whether this is true or not? http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4332 Tue, 16 Oct 2012 00:00:00 GMT 13:17 fomenko, phantom time, creationism, new chronology Brian Dunning A rural family spent half a night battling what they thought were space aliens. In 1955, at the height of the UFO craze, a rural Kentucky fought a protracted gun battle with with they thought were aliens from a landed spaceship. What really happened? In 1955, at the height of the UFO craze, a rural Kentucky fought a protracted gun battle with with they thought were aliens from a landed spaceship. What really happened? http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4331 Tue, 09 Oct 2012 00:00:00 GMT 13:02 kelly hopkinsville, UFO, aliens, coverup Brian Dunning The facts and the fiction of one of the most intriguing psychological phenomena. There are many popular misconceptions about the origins and capabilities of hypnotism, including skepticism over whether it's even real at all or not. We look at what's actually known. There are many popular misconceptions about the origins and capabilities of hypnotism, including skepticism over whether it's even real at all or not. We look at what's actually known. http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4330 Tue, 02 Oct 2012 00:00:00 GMT 12:29 hypnotism, mesmerism, hypnotize Brian Dunning A look at some famous women through history. Do you know who's real and who's not? Skeptoid takes a look at 24 women well known from history. But which of them are actual historical figures, and which are from the realm of fiction? Skeptoid takes a look at 24 women well known from history. But which of them are actual historical figures, and which are from the realm of fiction? http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4329 Tue, 25 Sep 2012 00:00:00 GMT 15:48 mata hari, typhoid mary, helen of troy, lady godiva Brian Dunning What is the secret of the incomparable sound of history's greatest stringed instrument, the Stradivarius violin? History's greatest stringed instrument, the Stradivarius violin, has an amazing reputation for incomparable sound that no other can match. Is there a secret, or is the reputation perhaps undeserved? History's greatest stringed instrument, the Stradivarius violin, has an amazing reputation for incomparable sound that no other can match. Is there a secret, or is the reputation perhaps undeserved? http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4328 Tue, 18 Sep 2012 00:00:00 GMT 12:10 stradivarius, violin, guarneri, amati Brian Dunning The true history of the most famous holy relic from Biblical times. The Ark of the Covenant is regarded by many Biblical literalists as a real physical object, and it just so happens that that probably is indeed the case. Only, which Ark do they mean? The Ark of the Covenant is regarded by many Biblical literalists as a real physical object, and it just so happens that that probably is indeed the case. Only, which Ark do they mean? http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4327 Tue, 11 Sep 2012 00:00:00 GMT 11:53 ark of the covenant, lost ark, temple of solomon, our lady mary of zion Brian Dunning About sixty prehistoric stone forts in Scotland have vitrified walls, where the stone was melted into glass. How was it done? About sixty prehistoric stone forts in Scotland have vitrified walls, where the stone was melted into glass. Some say this was impossible with the technology of the day. About sixty prehistoric stone forts in Scotland have vitrified walls, where the stone was melted into glass. Some say this was impossible with the technology of the day. http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4326 Tue, 04 Sep 2012 00:00:00 GMT 12:23 vitrified fort, scotland Brian Dunning For centuries, claims both scientific and pseudoscientific have been made for the golden ratio. Based on the Fibonacci series, the golden ratio is an interesting construct found in both mathematics and in nature. But is it really the end-all and be-all that its advocates make it out to be? Based on the Fibonacci series, the golden ratio is an interesting construct found in both mathematics and in nature. But is it really the end-all and be-all that its advocates make it out to be? http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4325 Tue, 28 Aug 2012 00:00:00 GMT 13:18 fibonacci, golden ratio, phi, divine proportion Brian Dunning Skeptoid responds to some listener emails that question the validity of the scientific method. A lot of people have misconceptions about how the scientific method works and whether it's valid. In this episode we answer some emailed questions about this topic specifically. A lot of people have misconceptions about how the scientific method works and whether it's valid. In this episode we answer some emailed questions about this topic specifically. http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4324 Tue, 21 Aug 2012 00:00:00 GMT 12:51 science, pseudoscience, skepticism, pseudoskepticism Brian Dunning These strange places around the world rank among the most macabre, but have interesting explanations. These strange places around the world rank among the most macabre. Some have fascinating historical explanations, and others are explained by cultural traditions. These strange places around the world rank among the most macabre. Some have fascinating historical explanations, and others are explained by cultural traditions. http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4323 Tue, 14 Aug 2012 00:00:00 GMT 13:20 towers of silence, roopkund, mapimi, capuchin Brian Dunning Negative calorie foods, said to require more energy to digest than they provide, are a popular food fad. Negative calorie foods, said to require more energy to digest than they provide, are a popular food fad. But is this supported by science, or is it just another pop urban legend? Negative calorie foods, said to require more energy to digest than they provide, are a popular food fad. But is this supported by science, or is it just another pop urban legend? http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4322 Tue, 07 Aug 2012 00:00:00 GMT 11:28 negative calorie food, miracle diet, diet myths, food myths Brian Dunning Navajo witches are said to be able to shapeshift into animals. Is it just a tall tale, or is there some truth to it? Navajo witches and sorcerers are said to be able to shapeshift into dangerous animals that attack and harass the living. Some think there may be some science behind the tall tales. Navajo witches and sorcerers are said to be able to shapeshift into dangerous animals that attack and harass the living. Some think there may be some science behind the tall tales. http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4321 Tue, 31 Jul 2012 00:00:00 GMT 13:55 skinwalker ranch, ufos, shapeshifters, werewolves Brian Dunning There's a bridge in Scotland where dogs are said to deliberately commit suicide. There's a bridge in Scotland where dogs are said to deliberately commit suicide. Is this indeed the case, or can science and observation shine a little better light on the question? There's a bridge in Scotland where dogs are said to deliberately commit suicide. Is this indeed the case, or can science and observation shine a little better light on the question? http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4320 Tue, 24 Jul 2012 00:00:00 GMT 11:36 overtoun bridge, rupert sheldrake, rover's leap, suicide Brian Dunning Skeptoid answers another round of questions sent in by students all around the world. Skeptoid answer student questions surround various popular myths about food, brain training computer programs, miracle cancer cures in the rainforest, and whether iron in your blood can get you stopped at a metal detector. Skeptoid answer student questions surround various popular myths about food, brain training computer programs, miracle cancer cures in the rainforest, and whether iron in your blood can get you stopped at a metal detector. http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4319 Tue, 17 Jul 2012 00:00:00 GMT 10:54 high fructose corn syrup, breakfast, breasts, hemochromatosis Brian Dunning The world's most famous cryptid is said to swim in Scotland's most famous loch. There are many theories and many stories surrounding the Loch Ness Monster. We point the skeptical eye to see which are facts, and which aren't so much. There are many theories and many stories surrounding the Loch Ness Monster. We point the skeptical eye to see which are facts, and which aren't so much. http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4318 Tue, 10 Jul 2012 00:00:00 GMT 12:22 loch ness monster, nessie, surgeon's photo, plesiosaur Brian Dunning Is it possible for nanotechnology to result in an army of self-replicating machines that consume and destroy our society? Nanotechnology takes many forms - mostly industrial, but also in the possibility of an army of self-replicating machines capable of turning everything on the planet into a grey goo of nanobots. Nanotechnology takes many forms - mostly industrial, but also in the possibility of an army of self-replicating machines capable of turning everything on the planet into a grey goo of nanobots. http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4317 Tue, 03 Jul 2012 00:00:00 GMT 13:34 nanotech, von neumann machines, nanotechnology, nanobot Brian Dunning Skeptoid announces two new paperbacks: "Astronauts, Aliens, and Ape-Men" plus "The Secret of the Gypsy Queen". Skeptoid announces two new paperbacks: "Astronauts, Aliens, and Ape-Men" plus "The Secret of the Gypsy Queen". Skeptoid announces two new paperbacks: "Astronauts, Aliens, and Ape-Men" plus "The Secret of the Gypsy Queen". http://skeptoid.com/episodes/3031 Thu, 28 Jun 2012 00:00:00 GMT 1:58 Brian Dunning Some say that Persian theologian al-Ghazali was solely responsible for the end of the Golden Age of science. Arab-Islamic culture led the world in science and intellect during their Golden Age, but then it came to an end and there have been virtually no Arab-Islamic discoveries since then. Why not? Arab-Islamic culture led the world in science and intellect during their Golden Age, but then it came to an end and there have been virtually no Arab-Islamic discoveries since then. Why not? http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4316 Tue, 26 Jun 2012 00:00:00 GMT 12:32 islam, al-ghazali, neil degrasse tyson, muslims Brian Dunning Declassified military documents show that Iranian fighter planes engaged a UFO in 1976. What really happened? Declassified military documents show that Iranian fighter planes engaged a UFO in 1976. But is this all we know, or can we analyze details to get a better idea of what actually took place? Declassified military documents show that Iranian fighter planes engaged a UFO in 1976. But is this all we know, or can we analyze details to get a better idea of what actually took place? http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4315 Tue, 19 Jun 2012 00:00:00 GMT 15:01 ufo, flying saucer, aliens, tehran Brian Dunning Skeptoid goes back and corrects some errors from previous episodes. Every so often I like to correct any errors that have been found in previous episodes. Enjoy this list of corrections and errata, and send more if you find them. Every so often I like to correct any errors that have been found in previous episodes. Enjoy this list of corrections and errata, and send more if you find them. http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4314 Tue, 12 Jun 2012 00:00:00 GMT 11:07 errors, corrections, errata, bloopers Brian Dunning Some say alien spacecraft are tested at Nevada's legendary Area 51 site; what does history have to say? Some believe that alien spacecraft are the true business of the US military's secret test facility at Area 51. But does history confirm this, or does it give us a different tale? Some believe that alien spacecraft are the true business of the US military's secret test facility at Area 51. But does history confirm this, or does it give us a different tale? http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4313 Tue, 05 Jun 2012 00:00:00 GMT 12:47 area 51, roswell, ufos, aliens Brian Dunning This summer in Las Vegas, I am going to make your brain fail. This summer in Las Vegas, I am going to make your brain fail at The Amazing Meeting, the most amazing meeting you'll ever attend. This summer in Las Vegas, I am going to make your brain fail at The Amazing Meeting, the most amazing meeting you'll ever attend. http://skeptoid.com/episodes/3030 Fri, 01 Jun 2012 00:00:00 GMT 1:52 amazing meeting, james randi, penn and teller, paul provenza Brian Dunning Skeptoid answers another round of questions sent in by students all around the world. Skeptoid answers another round of questions sent in by students all around the world. This time: Bikram yoga, cloning mammoths, kitchen bacteria, Queen Elizabeth's gender, eating and dreams, and cholesterol. Skeptoid answers another round of questions sent in by students all around the world. This time: Bikram yoga, cloning mammoths, kitchen bacteria, Queen Elizabeth's gender, eating and dreams, and cholesterol. http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4312 Tue, 29 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT 11:37 bikram yoga, cloning mammoths, cholesterol, statin Brian Dunning Some believe that world governments and economies are secretly controlled by the Rothschild banking family. Some believe that world governments and economies are secretly controlled by the Rothschild banking family, which was quite powerful in the 1800s. Is their power truly still as strong today? Some believe that world governments and economies are secretly controlled by the Rothschild banking family, which was quite powerful in the 1800s. Is their power truly still as strong today? http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4311 Tue, 22 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT 14:40 rothschilds, world bankers, federal reserve, banking conspiracy theory Brian Dunning There are many popular anecdotes about how and why some people are left-handed, but the true facts are even more interesting. There are many popular anecdotes about how and why some people are left-handed. The true facts are even more interesting: differences in aptitudes, health, and even longevity. There are many popular anecdotes about how and why some people are left-handed. The true facts are even more interesting: differences in aptitudes, health, and even longevity. http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4310 Tue, 15 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT 13:42 left-handed, right-handed, sinistrality, dextrality Brian Dunning Global warming is the poster boy for failed science communication. What went wrong? Global warming is the poster boy for failed science communication. What went wrong? It was presented to the public as a political issue, and not as a science. Global warming is the poster boy for failed science communication. What went wrong? It was presented to the public as a political issue, and not as a science. http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4309 Tue, 08 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT 12:20 climate change, global warming, kyoto protocol, an inconvenient truth Brian Dunning Is this classic tale of the disappearance of a group of schoolgirls fact or fiction? The classic book and movie is believed by some to be fact, others to be fiction, and still others a combination. What's the truth behind the tale? The classic book and movie is believed by some to be fact, others to be fiction, and still others a combination. What's the truth behind the tale? http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4308 Tue, 01 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT 11:25 hanging rock, picnic at hanging rock, murders at hanging rock, secret of hanging rock Brian Dunning Russian scientists are said to have drilled a borehole that broke into hell and released the screams of the damned. In 1989, Russian scientists are said to have drilled a borehole in Siberia that broke into hell and released the screams of the damned. But did it ever actually happen? In 1989, Russian scientists are said to have drilled a borehole in Siberia that broke into hell and released the screams of the damned. But did it ever actually happen? http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4307 Tue, 24 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT 13:05 well to hell, sounds of hell, siberia hell, hell hole Brian Dunning Skeptoid dips into the feedback mailbag to respond to comments from listeners. Once again, Skeptoid dips into the feedback mailbag to respond to comments from listeners. Once again, Skeptoid dips into the feedback mailbag to respond to comments from listeners. http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4306 Tue, 17 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT 12:11 wheatgrass, traditional chinese medicine, evp, piri reis Brian Dunning A look at some of history's most famous scientists who experimented upon themselves. Sometimes, ethical considerations or a lack of knowledge have prevented certain experiments from being tested on other people, and scientists have had to put their own bodies on the line. Sometimes, ethical considerations or a lack of knowledge have prevented certain experiments from being tested on other people, and scientists have had to put their own bodies on the line. http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4305 Tue, 10 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT 12:32 john stapp, jonas salk, haldane, poison squad Brian Dunning A look at what is and isn't known about history's most infamous serial killer. Many theories surround the identity of Jack the Ripper, history's most infamous serial killer. Is there truly any evidence that supports any of these theories? Many theories surround the identity of Jack the Ripper, history's most infamous serial killer. Is there truly any evidence that supports any of these theories? http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4304 Tue, 03 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT 12:28 jack the ripper, serial killer, saucy jack, whitechapel murders Brian Dunning Many audio aficionados split into two camps, those supporting modern digital audio, and those supporting vinyl records. Many audio aficionados split into two camps, those supporting modern digital audio, and those supporting vinyl records. Is either truly or superior format, and can humans really even tell? Many audio aficionados split into two camps, those supporting modern digital audio, and those supporting vinyl records. Is either truly or superior format, and can humans really even tell? http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4303 Tue, 27 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMT 12:14 vinyl, records, digital audio, cd Brian Dunning A geologist claimed to have discovered a new species of great ape in Venezuela in the early 20th century. In the early 20th century, oil company geologist Francois de Loys took a famous photograph of what he says was a new species of ape. Does the photograph have a different history than he claimed? In the early 20th century, oil company geologist Francois de Loys took a famous photograph of what he says was a new species of ape. Does the photograph have a different history than he claimed? http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4302 Tue, 20 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMT 12:02 de loys ape, ameranthropoides loysi, bigfoot, cryptozoology Brian Dunning Treasure hunters comb Virginia search for a legendary hoard of gold and silver. Treasure hunters comb Virginia search for a legendary hoard of gold and silver, known only from a few encoded documents, the most important of which remain undeciphered. Treasure hunters comb Virginia search for a legendary hoard of gold and silver, known only from a few encoded documents, the most important of which remain undeciphered. http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4301 Tue, 13 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMT 12:42 beale ciphers, beale papers, treasure, encryption Brian Dunning In which a little girl saves her kingdom when she is the only one who does not fall for the pop pseudoscience of the day. In which a little girl saves her kingdom when she is the only one who does not fall for the pop pseudoscience of the day. In which a little girl saves her kingdom when she is the only one who does not fall for the pop pseudoscience of the day. http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4300 Tue, 06 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMT 14:09 pseudoscience, miracles, power balance, power band Brian Dunning A big milestone... A big milestone... A big milestone... http://skeptoid.com/episodes/3027 Fri, 02 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMT 4:39 Brian Dunning Jellylike blobs have been reported to fall from the sky during meteor showers. What are they? For centuries, jellylike blobs have been reported to fall from the sky during meteor showers. Are they really from outer space, or is there a more Earthly explanation? For centuries, jellylike blobs have been reported to fall from the sky during meteor showers. Are they really from outer space, or is there a more Earthly explanation? http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4299 Tue, 28 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT 12:07 star jelly, star rot, fallen star, pwdre ser Brian Dunning Skeptoid answers another round of questions sent in by students all over the world. Skeptoid answers student questions about the efficacy of drinking coffee, whether you should go swimming 30 minutes after eating, amber teething rings for babies, neutrinos that travel faster than light, the E-Cat cold fusion device, and whether the consumption of certain foods causes inflammation. Skeptoid answers student questions about the efficacy of drinking coffee, whether you should go swimming 30 minutes after eating, amber teething rings for babies, neutrinos that travel faster than light, the E-Cat cold fusion device, and whether the consumption of certain foods causes inflammation. http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4298 Tue, 21 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT 12:29 e-cat, faster than light neutrinos, inflammation, amber teething rings Brian Dunning Four common types of analytical errors in reasoning that we all need to beware of. Four common types of analytical errors in reasoning are made every day, by people trying to deceive us, by people unintentionally deceiving us, and by ourselves. Four common types of analytical errors in reasoning are made every day, by people trying to deceive us, by people unintentionally deceiving us, and by ourselves. http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4297 Tue, 14 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT 11:49 type i error, type ii error, type iii error, type iv error Brian Dunning Did two women visiting Versaille in 1901 time-travel back to the days of Marie Antoinette? Two women, college teachers from Oxford visited Versailles in 1901. While there, they suddenly time-traveled back to 1789 and saw Marie Antoinette. Is their story true? Two women, college teachers from Oxford visited Versailles in 1901. While there, they suddenly time-traveled back to 1789 and saw Marie Antoinette. Is their story true? http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4296 Tue, 07 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT 13:46 versailles time slip, petit trianon, ghosts of trianon, moberly jourdain affair Brian Dunning Popular modern reports claim Amelia Earhart made it to an island and survived for a time. Might that be true? Popular modern reports claim Amelia Earhart made it to an island and survived for a time, and though these stories are often widely reported, they are not at all consistent with the known facts. Popular modern reports claim Amelia Earhart made it to an island and survived for a time, and though these stories are often widely reported, they are not at all consistent with the known facts. http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4295 Tue, 31 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT 13:05 amelia earhart, tighar, Nikumaroro, Gardner Island Brian Dunning Skeptoid answers some listener emails that present common flaws in scientific thinking. There are a number of common flaws in logical thinking that pop up fairly regularly. Today Skeptoid answers some emails that illustrate a few of the most popular. There are a number of common flaws in logical thinking that pop up fairly regularly. Today Skeptoid answers some emails that illustrate a few of the most popular. http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4294 Tue, 24 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT 12:13 dna, starchild, colon cleanse, pumapunku Brian Dunning Did the Nazis really have super-advanced technology, even anti-gravity flying saucers? We love to attach mysticism and occultism to the Nazis. Their military might and cruelty almost demand some such explanation. But how much of this gilding is actually true? We love to attach mysticism and occultism to the Nazis. Their military might and cruelty almost demand some such explanation. But how much of this gilding is actually true? http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4293 Tue, 17 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT 13:48 nazi ufo, nazi flying saucer, vril, wunderwaffe Brian Dunning A thin, dark phantom three times the height of a man is said to stalk this peak in the Cairngorms. A thin, dark phantom three times the height of a man is said to stalk this peak in the Cairngorms. What do we actually know about it, and what part of it might be real? A thin, dark phantom three times the height of a man is said to stalk this peak in the Cairngorms. What do we actually know about it, and what part of it might be real? http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4292 Tue, 10 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT 12:26 bigfoot, grey man, ben macdhui, fear liath Brian Dunning In 1994, fumes from a woman's body knocked out most of an emergency room staff. What happened? In 1994, a woman was brought into an emergency room in Riverside, California. When staff drew blood, fumes knocked out most of the staff and hospitalized some. What happened? In 1994, a woman was brought into an emergency room in Riverside, California. When staff drew blood, fumes knocked out most of the staff and hospitalized some. What happened? http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4291 Tue, 03 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT 12:37 toxic lady, dmso, riverside, sociogenic Brian Dunning My process for examining a new topic, to learn whether it's fact or fiction. Examining a new topic to learn whether it's fact or fiction is not a trivial matter. In this episode I detail my own process, and some of the pitfalls. Examining a new topic to learn whether it's fact or fiction is not a trivial matter. In this episode I detail my own process, and some of the pitfalls. http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4290 Tue, 27 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT 10:44 science, skepticism, critical thinking, pseudoscience Brian Dunning The facts, as we know them, about what really happened to maritime lore's most famous missing crew. The Mary Celeste was famous discovering drifting at sea with nobody on board. Many have offered explanations for what happened, but nobody knows for sure. Here's what we do know. The Mary Celeste was famous discovering drifting at sea with nobody on board. Many have offered explanations for what happened, but nobody knows for sure. Here's what we do know. http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4289 Tue, 20 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT 12:05 mary celeste, ghost ship, maritime mysteries at sea, benjamin briggs Brian Dunning Pit bulls have a reputation for being the most dangerous dog breed. Is this reputation deserved? Pit bulls have a reputation for being the most dangerous dog breed, so much so that they are actually banned in many places. Is this reputation deserved? Pit bulls have a reputation for being the most dangerous dog breed, so much so that they are actually banned in many places. Is this reputation deserved? http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4288 Tue, 13 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT 12:13 pit bull, dog bite, rottweiler, dangerous dogs Brian Dunning An urban legend in Korea states that running an electric fan at night can kill you. Many Koreans believe that sleeping with an electric fan running can actually kill you, but many western scientists scoff at the notion. Is there a more subtle truth in between? Many Koreans believe that sleeping with an electric fan running can actually kill you, but many western scientists scoff at the notion. Is there a more subtle truth in between? http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4287 Tue, 06 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT 12:38 korean fan death, asphyxiation, korea, urban legend Brian Dunning Skeptoid responds to some feedback emails notable for their dependence on straw man arguments. The straw man is one of the most common of the logical fallacies. Today Skeptoid responds to a number of feedback emails that were particular dependent on this ruse. The straw man is one of the most common of the logical fallacies. Today Skeptoid responds to a number of feedback emails that were particular dependent on this ruse. http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4286 Tue, 29 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT 11:00 straw man, logical fallacies, listener feedback, graviola Brian Dunning Skeptoid corrects another round of errors found in previous episodes. As always, Skeptoid gladly corrects any errors found in past episodes. Here is another batch of such corrections along with helpful additional information. As always, Skeptoid gladly corrects any errors found in past episodes. Here is another batch of such corrections along with helpful additional information. http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4285 Tue, 22 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT 11:42 shakespeare, brainwashing, glamis, vaccines Brian Dunning Did the leader of the Bounty mutineers die on Pitcairn Island, or did he eventually make it back to England? Fletcher Christian led the mutiny on the Bounty and escaped to Pitcairn Island to found the small nation's colony. But some say he actually made it back to freedom in England. Fletcher Christian led the mutiny on the Bounty and escaped to Pitcairn Island to found the small nation's colony. But some say he actually made it back to freedom in England. http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4284 Tue, 15 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT 11:42 mutiny on the bounty, pitcairn island, fletcher christian, captain bligh Brian Dunning My list of the worst offenders on the web in the promotion of scientific and factual misinformation. Skeptoid's Top 10 list of the worst offenders on the web in the promotion of scientific and factual misinformation. Sadly, this could easily have been a Top 100... Skeptoid's Top 10 list of the worst offenders on the web in the promotion of scientific and factual misinformation. Sadly, this could easily have been a Top 100... http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4283 Tue, 08 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT 14:50 internet, pseudoscience, bad science, junk science Brian Dunning This creature has been haunting New Jersey for nearly 300 years. From whence did it come? The Jersey Devil, also called the Leeds Devil, is said to have been haunting New Jersey since 1735. We take a look at its original roots to see if we can learn what it really is. The Jersey Devil, also called the Leeds Devil, is said to have been haunting New Jersey since 1735. We take a look at its original roots to see if we can learn what it really is. http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4282 Tue, 01 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT 11:56 jersey devil, leeds devil, daniel leeds, mother leeds Brian Dunning Are democratic elections actually as free and fair as we think they are? Democracy is a fine thing, except for one problem: No fair voting system exists to ensure the most favored candidate wins an election. What to do? Democracy is a fine thing, except for one problem: No fair voting system exists to ensure the most favored candidate wins an election. What to do? http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4281 Tue, 25 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMT 11:03 voting, democracy, elections, ballot Brian Dunning Was William Shakespeare the author of his own works, or was he merely someone else's pseudonym? Claims that someone other than Shakespeare wrote the Bard's works have persisted since about 150 years after his death - and today, they're stronger than ever. Claims that someone other than Shakespeare wrote the Bard's works have persisted since about 150 years after his death - and today, they're stronger than ever. http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4280 Tue, 18 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMT 12:25 shakespeare, earl of oxford, bard of avon, william shakespeare Brian Dunning Could a wooden vessel like Noah's Ark actually have been made seaworthy? Whether you believe the Noah story to be a literal true account or not, the naval engineering questions associated with its construction are fascinating. Whether you believe the Noah story to be a literal true account or not, the naval engineering questions associated with its construction are fascinating. http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4279 Tue, 11 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMT 12:11 noah, creationism, great flood, young earth Brian Dunning Can people really be brainwashed, and then deprogrammed back to who they were before? Brainwashing was attempted by the Chinese during the Korean war, and became the default explanation for cult membership. Did it really happen the way history describes it? Brainwashing was attempted by the Chinese during the Korean war, and became the default explanation for cult membership. Did it really happen the way history describes it? http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4278 Tue, 04 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMT 11:43 brainwashing, deprogramming, scientology, cults Brian Dunning Skeptoid answers another round of questions sent in by students all around the world. Skeptoid answers student questions on the subjects of the paleolithic diet, the psychotherapy EMDR, stainless steel to remove odors from chefs' hands, polyphasic sleeping, burn-in of audio equipment, and the great PC slowdown conspiracy. Skeptoid answers student questions on the subjects of the paleolithic diet, the psychotherapy EMDR, stainless steel to remove odors from chefs' hands, polyphasic sleeping, burn-in of audio equipment, and the great PC slowdown conspiracy. http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4277 Tue, 27 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT 11:24 paleo diet, polyphasic sleep, emdr, stainless steel soap Brian Dunning Did a living beast actually haunt Scotland's Glamis Castle for the better part of a century? Glamis Castle in Scotland is one of the world's most famous castles, with a famous beast to go along with it. We'll look and see how much of the story is verifiable, and learn what actually happened. Glamis Castle in Scotland is one of the world's most famous castles, with a famous beast to go along with it. We'll look and see how much of the story is verifiable, and learn what actually happened. http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4276 Tue, 20 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT 13:15 ghosts, monsters, haunting, glamis Brian Dunning Hydraulic fracturing of natural gas wells incites powerful emotions. How much of the hype is justified? Fracking, the process of hydraulic fracturing of natural gas wells, is one of the most controversial topics of the day. How much of the furor against it is justified by the science? Fracking, the process of hydraulic fracturing of natural gas wells, is one of the most controversial topics of the day. How much of the furor against it is justified by the science? http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4275 Tue, 13 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT 13:36 fracking, gasland, halliburton, hydraulic fracturing Brian Dunning Another batch of listener emails answered and dissected. And served. Skeptoid answers questions and criticisms from listeners on the Scole Experiment, Morgellons Disease, New Age Energy, and Edgar Cayce. Skeptoid answers questions and criticisms from listeners on the Scole Experiment, Morgellons Disease, New Age Energy, and Edgar Cayce. http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4274 Tue, 06 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT 12:48 scole experiment, morgellons disease, new age energy, edgar cayce Brian Dunning Are common radio transmitters carcinogenic or otherwise harmful? Some lobbying groups ardently claim that common radio transmitters, such as those in cell phones, smart utility meters, and wi-fi hubs are carcinogenic or otherwise harmful to humans. Some lobbying groups ardently claim that common radio transmitters, such as those in cell phones, smart utility meters, and wi-fi hubs are carcinogenic or otherwise harmful to humans. http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4273 Tue, 30 Aug 2011 00:00:00 GMT 12:34 wi-fi, cell phones, radiation, smart meters Brian Dunning Are we alone in the galaxy, or might we have been visited by other civilizations? Most agree that there are other technological civilizations out there in the galaxy, but have we been visited by them? There's no evidence that we have, but what are the chances? Most agree that there are other technological civilizations out there in the galaxy, but have we been visited by them? There's no evidence that we have, but what are the chances? http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4272 Tue, 23 Aug 2011 00:00:00 GMT 11:52 aliens, ufos, seti, alpha centauri Brian Dunning Are the rumors true that Jews are planning to take over the world's governments and banks? For as long as there have been Jews, there have been conspiracy theories predicting that they're planning to take over the world's governments. How much truth is there to these suspicions? For as long as there have been Jews, there have been conspiracy theories predicting that they're planning to take over the world's governments. How much truth is there to these suspicions? http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4271 Tue, 16 Aug 2011 00:00:00 GMT 12:47 jews, israel, zionism, protocols of zion Brian Dunning Scientists seek a high-tech explanation for these ghost lights in Norway. But is the true cause much simpler? Scientists and UFOlogists in Norway are looking at some highly exotic, sci-fi sounding explanations for these remote ghost lights. But it turns out that the true explanation might be a lot more mundane than they hope. Scientists and UFOlogists in Norway are looking at some highly exotic, sci-fi sounding explanations for these remote ghost lights. But it turns out that the true explanation might be a lot more mundane than they hope. http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4270 Tue, 09 Aug 2011 00:00:00 GMT 12:51 ghost lights, ufos, earth lights, norway Brian Dunning How likely is it that the Yeti of the Himalayas is a real creature? The infamous Yeti is said to stalk the high snow fields of the Himalayas, and has even been photographed and left artifacts. Is there sufficient proof that we must accept its existence? The infamous Yeti is said to stalk the high snow fields of the Himalayas, and has even been photographed and left artifacts. Is there sufficient proof that we must accept its existence? http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4269 Tue, 02 Aug 2011 00:00:00 GMT 12:11 cryptozoology, bigfoot, yeti, abominable snowman Brian Dunning Skeptoid answers another round of questions sent in by students. Skeptoid answers questions sent in by students on caffeinated energy shots, Internet myths about sunscreen, "information" in thermodynamics, suppressed miracle cancer cures, and drinking hot water from the tap. Skeptoid answers questions sent in by students on caffeinated energy shots, Internet myths about sunscreen, "information" in thermodynamics, suppressed miracle cancer cures, and drinking hot water from the tap. http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4268 Tue, 26 Jul 2011 00:00:00 GMT 11:39 sunscreen, tap water, cancer cures, energy shots Brian Dunning Greek philosopher Zeno proved that movement was impossible with a few simple paradoxes. The paradoxes developed by the Greek philosopher Zeno seem to prove that movement is impossible, and therefore we must not live in the physical universe we think we do. Could he have been right? The paradoxes developed by the Greek philosopher Zeno seem to prove that movement is impossible, and therefore we must not live in the physical universe we think we do. Could he have been right? http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4267 Tue, 19 Jul 2011 00:00:00 GMT 12:11 zeno, paradox, philosophy, mathematics Brian Dunning Skeptoid does some microsurgery on the logical fallacies presented in some listener feedback. Today it's time for some more listener feedback, and we're going to put even the craziest of listener emails under the microscope to evaluate their logic... such as it is. Today it's time for some more listener feedback, and we're going to put even the craziest of listener emails under the microscope to evaluate their logic... such as it is. http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4266 Tue, 12 Jul 2011 00:00:00 GMT 11:24 logical fallacies, logic, rhetoric, conspiracy theories Brian Dunning Do therapies intended to help gays become straight actually work? A growing trend in the media is the promotion of therapy programs intended to "cure" gays and make them straight. Are these therapies real, and can they actually do what they claim? A growing trend in the media is the promotion of therapy programs intended to "cure" gays and make them straight. Are these therapies real, and can they actually do what they claim? http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4265 Tue, 05 Jul 2011 00:00:00 GMT 13:33 exodus, narth, gay cures, homosexuality Brian Dunning We usually dismiss conspiracy theorists as crazy people; but that doesn't tell the whole story. Conspiracy theorists, who believe wild and implausible stories, seem to have a screw loose somewhere. But are their brains really working improperly? Conspiracy theorists, who believe wild and implausible stories, seem to have a screw loose somewhere. But are their brains really working improperly? http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4264 Tue, 28 Jun 2011 00:00:00 GMT 11:52 conspiracies, alex jones, jesse ventura, 9/11 truth Brian Dunning Did the Grand Duchess Anastasia survive her family's 1918 execution, and go on to live in the United States? When Tsar Nicholas II and his family were executed in Russia in 1918, some say that his daughter Anastasia somehow escaped and went on to live in the United States. When Tsar Nicholas II and his family were executed in Russia in 1918, some say that his daughter Anastasia somehow escaped and went on to live in the United States. http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4263 Tue, 21 Jun 2011 00:00:00 GMT 12:25 anastasia, russian revolution, anna anderson, tsar nicholas Brian Dunning Are Haiti's legendary zombies real, or just an imagination fiction? Tradition tells of zombies that wander Haiti as slave laborers. Are they really corpses reanimated by black magic, or is there a more plausible explanation? Tradition tells of zombies that wander Haiti as slave laborers. Are they really corpses reanimated by black magic, or is there a more plausible explanation? http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4262 Tue, 14 Jun 2011 00:00:00 GMT 13:08 haiti, zombie, reanimation, poison Brian Dunning A comparison of the effects of hypoxia to the reports of a brush with the afterlife. Many who narrowly escape death on the operating table report euphoric afterlife experiences. But it turns out that these same effects are also associated with simple hypoxia. Does it explain all of them? Many who narrowly escape death on the operating table report euphoric afterlife experiences. But it turns out that these same effects are also associated with simple hypoxia. Does it explain all of them? http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4261 Tue, 07 Jun 2011 00:00:00 GMT 12:19 nde, obe, out of body, afterlife Brian Dunning Are dolphins actually trained to attack divers and place limpet mines on ships? Dolphins and sea lions are acknowledged to perform simple military duties like locate mines and retrieve lost objects, but are they also used for much more sinister purposes? Dolphins and sea lions are acknowledged to perform simple military duties like locate mines and retrieve lost objects, but are they also used for much more sinister purposes? http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4260 Tue, 31 May 2011 00:00:00 GMT 12:14 dolphins, conservationism, animal rights, peta Brian Dunning Westerners' belief that Chinese have long relied on alternative medicine is due in part to being duped by book publishers. Conventional wisdom tells us that alternative medicine is preferred in China, but it's simply not true. Neither is it completely true that Mao pushed it onto the Chinese because it was inexpensive. Conventional wisdom tells us that alternative medicine is preferred in China, but it's simply not true. Neither is it completely true that Mao pushed it onto the Chinese because it was inexpensive. http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4259 Tue, 24 May 2011 00:00:00 GMT 12:51 acupuncture, alternative medicine, eastern medicine, western medicine Brian Dunning People can catch on fire... but can it really happen when there is no external source of ignition? For hundreds of years, some unsolved cases of death by fire have been called spontaneous because there was no source of ignition found. Is the absence of evidence actually evidence of absence? For hundreds of years, some unsolved cases of death by fire have been called spontaneous because there was no source of ignition found. Is the absence of evidence actually evidence of absence? http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4258 Tue, 17 May 2011 00:00:00 GMT 12:01 shc, pyrotron, spontaneous human combustion, paranormal Brian Dunning Does this secret government lab really create genetic mutants and biological weapons? The Plum Island Animal Research Center is known for defending our food supply against foot and mouth disease, but some say their true purpose is much darker. The Plum Island Animal Research Center is known for defending our food supply against foot and mouth disease, but some say their true purpose is much darker. http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4257 Tue, 10 May 2011 00:00:00 GMT 12:26 montauk monster, lyme disease, biological weapons, bioweapons Brian Dunning Skeptoid answers another round of questions sent in by students from around the world. Skeptoid answers student questions. Today's topics include a variety of health related questions such as an apple a day and various causes of cancer, plus a look at the media's darling Supermoon. Skeptoid answers student questions. Today's topics include a variety of health related questions such as an apple a day and various causes of cancer, plus a look at the media's darling Supermoon. http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4256 Tue, 03 May 2011 00:00:00 GMT 11:34 supermoon, cancer, antiperspirant, abortion Brian Dunning Popular stories tell of mothers lifting cars off their children. Can the human body really do such feats? Hysterical strength is what we call temporary superpowers summoned by those undergoing the adrenalin rush of the fight or flight response. Can it really boost your strength as much as the stories say? Hysterical strength is what we call temporary superpowers summoned by those undergoing the adrenalin rush of the fight or flight response. Can it really boost your strength as much as the stories say? http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4255 Tue, 26 Apr 2011 00:00:00 GMT 12:08 mother lifts a car, superpowers, superhuman, adrenalin Brian Dunning Are American POW/MIAs still being held captive inside Vietnam? Some believe that American soldiers missing in action since the Vietnam War are still being held captive as prisoners of war. The military denies it. Where are they? Some believe that American soldiers missing in action since the Vietnam War are still being held captive as prisoners of war. The military denies it. Where are they? http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4254 Tue, 19 Apr 2011 00:00:00 GMT 12:50 pow mia, mia pow, vietnam war, veterans Brian Dunning Was a 1996 mass murder in Tasmania secretly a plot by the government to get firearms banned? In 1996, a lone gunman killed 35 people in Tasmania. Was he acting alone, or was it a conspiracy by the government to get firearms banned? In 1996, a lone gunman killed 35 people in Tasmania. Was he acting alone, or was it a conspiracy by the government to get firearms banned? http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4253 Tue, 12 Apr 2011 00:00:00 GMT 12:09 conspiracies, firearms, gun control, port arthur Brian Dunning The true history and meaning of history's most famous undeciphered book. The Voynich manuscript was written in the early 1400s, and to this day, nobody has been able to translate or read a single word of it. The Voynich manuscript was written in the early 1400s, and to this day, nobody has been able to translate or read a single word of it. http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4252 Tue, 05 Apr 2011 00:00:00 GMT 13:48 voynich, beinecke, freemasons, roger bacon Brian Dunning Skeptoid answers more listener feedback. Recorded live at the 250th Episode party. Skeptoid dives into the mailbag to answer some emails from listeners. Recorded live at the 250th Episode party at the University of California, Irvine. Skeptoid dives into the mailbag to answer some emails from listeners. Recorded live at the 250th Episode party at the University of California, Irvine. http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4251 Tue, 29 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMT 15:21 electrosensitive, orbs, electromagnetic hypersensivity, vaccines Brian Dunning A trip through the centuries to see how human knowledge is reflected through music. A trip through the centuries to see how human knowledge is reflected through music. A trip through the centuries to see how human knowledge is reflected through music. http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4250 Tue, 22 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMT 11:33 9/11 truth, energy healing, seance, chauvinism Brian Dunning Skeptoid answers another round of science questions sent in by students all around the world. Today Skeptoid answers questions from students about airport X-ray machines; claims made by shampoo companies; the safety of non-stick cookware; cloth diapers vs. disposables; and what effects the Moon has on us. Today Skeptoid answers questions from students about airport X-ray machines; claims made by shampoo companies; the safety of non-stick cookware; cloth diapers vs. disposables; and what effects the Moon has on us. http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4249 Tue, 15 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMT 12:13 airport scanners, teflon, tides, x-rays Brian Dunning Can exorcisms such as the one that killed Anneliese Michel truly help critically ill people? Anneliese Michel is only one of many thousands of people who have been killed by exorcism rites. Does this prehistoric ritual have any place in modern psychiatric care? Anneliese Michel is only one of many thousands of people who have been killed by exorcism rites. Does this prehistoric ritual have any place in modern psychiatric care? http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4248 Tue, 08 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMT 13:08 exorcism, exorcist, robbie mannheim, anneliese michel Brian Dunning They say God doesn't heal amputees... but apparently he did, once. Or did he? A young man's amputated leg was said to have been miraculously restored in 1640, with plenty of hard evidence to back it up. But is this really the best interpretation of that evidence? A young man's amputated leg was said to have been miraculously restored in 1640, with plenty of hard evidence to back it up. But is this really the best interpretation of that evidence? http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4247 Tue, 01 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMT 11:34 miracle, calanda, pellicer, catholic church Brian Dunning Skeptoid revisits another batch of episodes with errors, and rights the wrongs. Skeptoid revisits another batch of episodes with errors, and rights the wrongs. Skeptoid revisits another batch of episodes with errors, and rights the wrongs. http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4246 Tue, 22 Feb 2011 00:00:00 GMT 11:53 gluten, celiac, ddt, the omnivore's dilemma Brian Dunning One of the early attempts of the English to colonize America ended with every person simply disappearing from the Roanoke colony. When Sir Walter Raleigh sent a colony to settle in America on Roanoke Island, every person disappeared. What happened to them? When Sir Walter Raleigh sent a colony to settle in America on Roanoke Island, every person disappeared. What happened to them? http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4245 Tue, 15 Feb 2011 00:00:00 GMT 12:17 roanoke, croatoan, lost colony, dna Brian Dunning Will atmospheric smoke from a nuclear war result in devastating global cooling? Some say that the atmospheric smoke from fires following a nuclear war will create devastating global cooling; others say this is grossly exaggerated. Some say that the atmospheric smoke from fires following a nuclear war will create devastating global cooling; others say this is grossly exaggerated. http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4244 Tue, 08 Feb 2011 00:00:00 GMT 11:49 nuclear war, nuclear winter, climate change, carl sagan Brian Dunning Skeptoid answers another round of questions sent in by students all around the world. Skeptoid answers student questions on perpetual motion machines, electronic voice phenomena, semen retention, the authenticity of Shakespeare's works, and the value of antioxidants. Skeptoid answers student questions on perpetual motion machines, electronic voice phenomena, semen retention, the authenticity of Shakespeare's works, and the value of antioxidants. http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4243 Tue, 01 Feb 2011 00:00:00 GMT 12:04 steorn orbo, semen retention, shakespeare, antioxidants Brian Dunning The real facts behind the most notorious religion on Earth and its space opera backstory. Scientology is notorious for opposing psychiatry, for a bizarre apace opera dogma, and for suing its detractors. Is there more to the story than that? Scientology is notorious for opposing psychiatry, for a bizarre apace opera dogma, and for suing its detractors. Is there more to the story than that? http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4242 Tue, 25 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT 13:08 scientology, religion, l ron hubbard, dianetics Brian Dunning Some believe a space alien is buried in a rural cemetery in Aurora, Texas. In 1897, the newspapers reported that an alien spacecraft crashed in Aurora, Texas, and that the pilot's body was buried in the local cemetery. Can we simply dig it up and find out the truth? In 1897, the newspapers reported that an alien spacecraft crashed in Aurora, Texas, and that the pilot's body was buried in the local cemetery. Can we simply dig it up and find out the truth? http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4241 Tue, 18 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT 12:05 aliens, ufo, aurora texas, mufon Brian Dunning Are the various "mystery spots" around the world actually gravitational anomalies, or might the explanation lie elsewhere? Mystery spots all around the world, both natural and manmade, purport to be places where gravity works wrong. Is this truly the explanation, or might there be something else at foot? Mystery spots all around the world, both natural and manmade, purport to be places where gravity works wrong. Is this truly the explanation, or might there be something else at foot? http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4240 Tue, 11 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT 12:02 mysery spot, vortex, gravity anomaly, spook hill Brian Dunning Are gluten free diets really good for your general wellness? Some people are sensitive to gluten and must adopt gluten free diets, but what about the rest of us? Do we also need to be concerned about gluten? Some people are sensitive to gluten and must adopt gluten free diets, but what about the rest of us? Do we also need to be concerned about gluten? http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4239 Tue, 04 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT 11:46 gluten, gluten free diets, celiac disease, coeliac disease Brian Dunning Was John Wayne's cancer death caused by filming downwind of the Nevada Test Site? ...and other Hollywood rumors. Skeptoid takes a look at another batch of rumors from classic Hollywood, including a deep examination of the story that John Wayne's cancer death was caused by filming downwind of the Nevada Test Site. Skeptoid takes a look at another batch of rumors from classic Hollywood, including a deep examination of the story that John Wayne's cancer death was caused by filming downwind of the Nevada Test Site. http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4238 Tue, 28 Dec 2010 00:00:00 GMT 11:39 hollywood, john wayne, downwinders, nevada test site Brian Dunning Skeptoid looks into some of the classic Hollywood legends that you've always believed are true. Fancy legends come from nowhere if not from Hollywood. Classic Hollywood has produced more than its share of myths, and Skeptoid looks into them to see whether they're true, or just more show biz. Fancy legends come from nowhere if not from Hollywood. Classic Hollywood has produced more than its share of myths, and Skeptoid looks into them to see whether they're true, or just more show biz. http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4237 Tue, 21 Dec 2010 00:00:00 GMT 11:30 hollywood, james dean, ben-hur, wizard of oz Brian Dunning Navy sonar is said to be lethal to whales. What does the latest research actually tell us? Navy sonar has been proven to cause whale strandings, and even the Navy agrees this is a real risk. But some activist claim much broader danger. What are the real facts? Navy sonar has been proven to cause whale strandings, and even the Navy agrees this is a real risk. But some activist claim much broader danger. What are the real facts? http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4236 Tue, 14 Dec 2010 00:00:00 GMT 12:59 whales, sonar, environmentalism, oceanography Brian Dunning How valid are IQ tests, what do they really measure, and where do you fit in? IQ testing grew out of the eugenics movement, a way to measure which people were of the most (and least) value to society. Does this idea still have any relevance today? IQ testing grew out of the eugenics movement, a way to measure which people were of the most (and least) value to society. Does this idea still have any relevance today? http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4235 Tue, 07 Dec 2010 00:00:00 GMT 13:22 iq test, intelligence, eugenics, nazis Brian Dunning Was this mysterious region in the south Atlantic responsible for the crash of Air France flight 447? Unlike the Bermuda Triangle, the South Atlantic Anomaly is a real region with measurable physical properties that truly do pose a danger. Is it knocking aircraft out of the sky? Unlike the Bermuda Triangle, the South Atlantic Anomaly is a real region with measurable physical properties that truly do pose a danger. Is it knocking aircraft out of the sky? http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4234 Tue, 30 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT 11:36 south atlantic anomaly, bermuda triangle, van allen belts, mystery Brian Dunning Skeptoid answers questions sent in by students all around the world. Skeptoid answers questions from students on food preservatives embalming your body, playing music for unborn fetuses, violent video games, sexing a bird with a pendulum, and karma. Skeptoid answers questions from students on food preservatives embalming your body, playing music for unborn fetuses, violent video games, sexing a bird with a pendulum, and karma. http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4233 Tue, 23 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT 10:12 video games, karma, pendulum, food preservatives Brian Dunning A peek inside the Skeptoid inbox, ranging from the sane to the insane. Skeptoid answers some more listener feedback emails, ranging from the sane and helpful to the insane and delusional. Skeptoid answers some more listener feedback emails, ranging from the sane and helpful to the insane and delusional. http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4232 Tue, 16 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT 11:22 Lucifer Project, water bears, Nazi, Peruvian skulls Brian Dunning What was the significance of this mysterious final transmission of an airliner just before its crash? In 1947, a British South American Airways flight crashed in the Andes, killing all aboard, but not before sending an unexplained radio message: STENDEC. What did it mean? In 1947, a British South American Airways flight crashed in the Andes, killing all aboard, but not before sending an unexplained radio message: STENDEC. What did it mean? http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4231 Tue, 09 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT 11:56 stendec, air crash, ufo, mystery Brian Dunning Is DDT a killer of birds, a savior against malaria, or a little of each? DDT has been banned for its environmental effects like eggshell thinning, but this must be weighed against its life saving potential for malaria victims. DDT has been banned for its environmental effects like eggshell thinning, but this must be weighed against its life saving potential for malaria victims. http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4230 Tue, 02 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT 13:42 ddt, malaria, greenpeace, environmentalism Brian Dunning Speed reading classes claim to be able to turbocharge your words per minute. Is this really possible? A critical look at speed reading, and its claims of boosting your words per minute from a few hundred to a few thousand. Is this really something that your brain is wired to do? A critical look at speed reading, and its claims of boosting your words per minute from a few hundred to a few thousand. Is this really something that your brain is wired to do? http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4229 Tue, 26 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT 11:28 speed reading, evelyn wood, kim peek, skepticism Brian Dunning A few of my favorite moments looking back on 228 Skeptoid episodes. In this episode I talk about some of the moments that have excited me the most when producing Skeptoid, and show why I love making it so much. I hope you like it too. In this episode I talk about some of the moments that have excited me the most when producing Skeptoid, and show why I love making it so much. I hope you like it too. http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4228 Tue, 19 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT 11:06 skeptoid, brian dunning Brian Dunning Skeptoid Fan Music by Nate Kelley Enjoy this song created by listener Nate Kelley, made from samples of Skeptoid episodes. Enjoy this song created by listener Nate Kelley, made from samples of Skeptoid episodes. http://skeptoid.com/episodes/3023 Fri, 15 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT 1:58 nate kelley, flaxenboodle, skeptoid, fan music Brian Dunning Is "boosting your immune system" for real? Is that possible, and can you really buy it in a bottle? Products everywhere are sold with the claim that they'll boost your immune system. Does that have any medical meaning? Is it something you'd really want to do? We point the skeptical eye at the claim. Products everywhere are sold with the claim that they'll boost your immune system. Does that have any medical meaning? Is it something you'd really want to do? We point the skeptical eye at the claim. http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4227 Tue, 12 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT 11:58 immunity boost, support healthy immune function, airborne, vitamins Brian Dunning A ghost light in North Carolina has people scratching their heads. What's the explanation? For a hundred years, a ghost light in North Carolina has had people wondering what it might be. What are the historical explanations, and do any of them turn out to be the correct one? For a hundred years, a ghost light in North Carolina has had people wondering what it might be. What are the historical explanations, and do any of them turn out to be the correct one? http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4226 Tue, 05 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT 14:47 brown mountain lights, ghost light, spook light, will-o-the-wisp Brian Dunning Once a year, the world's top power brokers meet. Are they really planning Global Domination? Conspiracy theorist claim the Bilderberg Group consists of the world's power brokers planning Global Domination. Is this in fact true, or is the group's stated purpose the real one? Conspiracy theorist claim the Bilderberg Group consists of the world's power brokers planning Global Domination. Is this in fact true, or is the group's stated purpose the real one? http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4225 Tue, 28 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT 11:56 bilderberg, bilderberg group, illuminati, freemasonry Brian Dunning News agencies have long been promoting a 2001 red rainfall as being of alien origin. What's the evidence? When it rained red in India in 2001, some fringe researchers claimed it must have been alien spore from an interstellar comet. Science, however, produced a much more mundane explanation. Which was correct? When it rained red in India in 2001, some fringe researchers claimed it must have been alien spore from an interstellar comet. Science, however, produced a much more mundane explanation. Which was correct? http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4224 Tue, 21 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT 12:23 red rain, alien spore, kerala, godfrey louis Brian Dunning Stories abound of living frogs being found encased in solid rock. What's really going on here? History is full of tall tales of living frogs and toads being found encased in solid rock, and hopping out once the rock is broken. How did they get there, and how could they have survived all those centuries? History is full of tall tales of living frogs and toads being found encased in solid rock, and hopping out once the rock is broken. How did they get there, and how could they have survived all those centuries? http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4223 Tue, 14 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT 12:49 entombed frogs, frogs in stones, toads in rocks, frogs and toads Brian Dunning The Curse of Macbeth should make Shakespeare's play too dangerous to perform. Is this the case? According to theater lore, witches placed a curse on Shakespeare's Macbeth that should make the play too dangerous to perform. We take a look at its actual history to see if we can find evidence of such a curse. According to theater lore, witches placed a curse on Shakespeare's Macbeth that should make the play too dangerous to perform. We take a look at its actual history to see if we can find evidence of such a curse. http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4222 Tue, 07 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT 11:31 curse of macbeth, shakespeare, witches, black magic Brian Dunning A critical look at the world's most popular psychological metric, the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator. The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator is the world's most widely used psychological metric. But does it really have any psychological value, or is it little more than a horoscope? The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator is the world's most widely used psychological metric. But does it really have any psychological value, or is it little more than a horoscope? http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4221 Tue, 31 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT 13:10 myers-briggs, carl jung, mbti, personality test Brian Dunning A look at a massive stone structure off the coast of Japan, said to be a manmade pyramid. Yonaguni Monument is a great fractured sandstone feature off the coast of Japan, said by some to have been built by human hands. Skeptoid takes a look at the evidence for, and the evidence against. Yonaguni Monument is a great fractured sandstone feature off the coast of Japan, said by some to have been built by human hands. Skeptoid takes a look at the evidence for, and the evidence against. http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4220 Tue, 24 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT 11:53 yonaguni monument, atlantis, masaaki kimura, pyramids Brian Dunning Did Josef Stalin order the creation of an army of half-ape, half-human hybrids, and did these experiments take place? There's a popular urban legend that Soviet dictator Josef Stalin ordered the creation of half-ape, half-human hybrids as a slave army of soldiers and laborers. Did this ever actually happen? There's a popular urban legend that Soviet dictator Josef Stalin ordered the creation of half-ape, half-human hybrids as a slave army of soldiers and laborers. Did this ever actually happen? http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4219 Tue, 17 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT 13:14 stalin's ape-man, humanzee, chuman, oliver Brian Dunning A close look at some of the stories of UFOs said to have been reported by NASA astronauts. Stories abound that astronauts have reported UFOs in space, stories that have been covered up by the government. Are they true? What really happened? Stories abound that astronauts have reported UFOs in space, stories that have been covered up by the government. Are they true? What really happened? http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4218 Tue, 10 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT 12:53 apollo, ufo, aliens, astronauts Brian Dunning Skeptoid looks at some newer logical fallacies, often used in place of sound arguments. Skeptoid looks at some newer logical fallacies, which are ways to argue a point with rhetoric when you don't have good evidence. Skeptoid looks at some newer logical fallacies, which are ways to argue a point with rhetoric when you don't have good evidence. http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4217 Tue, 03 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT 12:08 logical fallacies, argument, rhetoric Brian Dunning Do you really know which kinds of food are good for you, and which are bad? All sorts of people have all sorts of philosophies on what you should eat and what you shouldn't. What are those philosophies based on: Sound food science, or ideology? All sorts of people have all sorts of philosophies on what you should eat and what you shouldn't. What are those philosophies based on: Sound food science, or ideology? http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4216 Tue, 27 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT 12:08 food, organic, diet, nutrition Brian Dunning More vitriol from the Skeptoid inbox exposed. Skeptoid responds to some very (ahem) thoughtful emails from some very (ahem) interesting listeners. Skeptoid responds to some very (ahem) thoughtful emails from some very (ahem) interesting listeners. http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4215 Tue, 20 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT 12:19 kangen, fema, crystal skull, zeitgeist Brian Dunning Another round of answering questions sent in by students everywhere. Skeptoid answers student questions on investing in gold, neurofeedback, the safety of Swedish snus, FEMA coffins, and gaining your nutrition by staring at the sun. Skeptoid answers student questions on investing in gold, neurofeedback, the safety of Swedish snus, FEMA coffins, and gaining your nutrition by staring at the sun. http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4214 Tue, 13 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT 11:38 FEMA coffins, sungazing, snus, neurofeedback Brian Dunning Was Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart actually murdered by his rival composer Antonio Salieri? Ever since the 1984 movie Amadeus came out, most people generally believe that Mozart was killed by his jealous rival, the Italian composer Antonio Salieri. How much truth is there to this rumor? Ever since the 1984 movie Amadeus came out, most people generally believe that Mozart was killed by his jealous rival, the Italian composer Antonio Salieri. How much truth is there to this rumor? http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4213 Tue, 06 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT 13:29 wolfgang amadeus mozart, antonio salieri, mozart's requiem, mozart and salieri Brian Dunning More additions to the corrections and errata files for Skeptoid. Once again I revisit some previous episodes that contained errors, and hopefully get them right this time. Once again I revisit some previous episodes that contained errors, and hopefully get them right this time. http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4212 Tue, 29 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT 12:13 skeptoid, corrections, wrong, errata Brian Dunning Did the American government have advance knowledge of the Pearl Harbor attack, and allow it to happen? One of the most popular conspiracy theories from World War II is that the American government had advance knowledge of the Pearl Harbor attack, and allowed it to happen anyway, as an excuse to justify declaring war on Japan. One of the most popular conspiracy theories from World War II is that the American government had advance knowledge of the Pearl Harbor attack, and allowed it to happen anyway, as an excuse to justify declaring war on Japan. http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4211 Tue, 22 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT 13:29 pearl harbor, franklin d roosevelt, admiral husband kimmel, world war ii Brian Dunning Are the United States, Canada, and Mexico planning to merge into a single huge police state? It's often called the Mother of All Conspiracy Theories: the idea that the United States, Canada, and Mexico are all planning to give up their sovereignty and merge into a single huge police state. It's often called the Mother of All Conspiracy Theories: the idea that the United States, Canada, and Mexico are all planning to give up their sovereignty and merge into a single huge police state. http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4210 Tue, 15 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT 12:52 north american union, amero, NAU, conspiracy theory Brian Dunning The facts behind tall tales from the American southwest of ships found in the middle of the desert. Stories about of Viking longships and Spanish galleons turning up in the middle of the American deserts where no ship has any business being. Are they true? Stories about of Viking longships and Spanish galleons turning up in the middle of the American deserts where no ship has any business being. Are they true? http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4209 Tue, 08 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT 11:09 viking ship, lost ship, spanish galleon, colorado river Brian Dunning 200 students watched a strange craft fly near their school in Australia in 1966. What did they see? 200 students watched a strange craft fly near their school in Australia in 1966. Must it have been an alien spacecraft, or are there more reasonable alternate explanations? 200 students watched a strange craft fly near their school in Australia in 1966. Must it have been an alien spacecraft, or are there more reasonable alternate explanations? http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4208 Tue, 01 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT 14:35 westall ufo, aliens, ufos, conspiracies Brian Dunning Are some examples of ancient art proof that dinosaurs and humans coexisted? Some cryptozoologists and Young Earth Creationists believe that examples of ancient art prove that dinosaurs and humans coexisted. Do these artworks really serve as proof, or even as good evidence? Some cryptozoologists and Young Earth Creationists believe that examples of ancient art prove that dinosaurs and humans coexisted. Do these artworks really serve as proof, or even as good evidence? http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4207 Tue, 25 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT 11:49 dinosaurs, creationism, evolution, ta prohm Brian Dunning In this newly described condition, some patients report strange plastic fibers growing from their skin. In this newly described condition, some patients report strange plastic fibers growing from their skin. The symptoms are identical to those of acute stress. Can treating the patient for stress address the Morgellons? In this newly described condition, some patients report strange plastic fibers growing from their skin. The symptoms are identical to those of acute stress. Can treating the patient for stress address the Morgellons? http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4206 Tue, 18 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT 11:57 morgellons disease, psychogenic, psychosomatic, delusional parasitosis Brian Dunning Another trip to the Listener Feedback files, including my favorite yet. Another trip to the Listener Feedback files, including my favorite yet. Another trip to the Listener Feedback files, including my favorite yet. http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4205 Tue, 11 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT 12:13 chiropractic, illuminati, quantum physics, logical fallacies Brian Dunning Is the unusually high twin rate of a town in Brazil due to continued medical experiments by Josef Mengele, the infamous Nazi Angel of Death? After World War II, the Nazi Angel of Death Josef Mengele escaped to South America. And a town in Brazil has an unusually high rate of twins. Are the two connected? Did Mengele continue his human experiments after the war? After World War II, the Nazi Angel of Death Josef Mengele escaped to South America. And a town in Brazil has an unusually high rate of twins. Are the two connected? Did Mengele continue his human experiments after the war? http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4204 Tue, 04 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT 12:15 josef mengele, nazi human experiments, candido godoi, angel of death Brian Dunning Therapeutic touch is a healing method that presumes the existence of a huge magnetic field around the human body. Is there really such a field? Therapeutic touch is a healing method used by many nurses to treat pain. It involves waving your hands over the patient's body to manipulate their magnetic field. Does this field exist, and is there any evidence that doing this would be beneficial to the patient? Therapeutic touch is a healing method used by many nurses to treat pain. It involves waving your hands over the patient's body to manipulate their magnetic field. Does this field exist, and is there any evidence that doing this would be beneficial to the patient? http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4203 Tue, 27 Apr 2010 00:00:00 GMT 12:57 therapeutic touch, distance healing, new age, dolores krieger Brian Dunning Were the stone structures at Pumapunku truly so advanced that the ancient Tiwanakans could not have made them unassisted? Pumapunku in Bolivia contains some of the ancient world's most complex works of stonemasonry. So complex, some say, that only aliens could have made them. Is this truly the best state of our knowledge about these structures? Pumapunku in Bolivia contains some of the ancient world's most complex works of stonemasonry. So complex, some say, that only aliens could have made them. Is this truly the best state of our knowledge about these structures? http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4202 Tue, 20 Apr 2010 00:00:00 GMT 12:32 puma punku, pumapunku, tiwanaka, tiahuanaco Brian Dunning Is the Virgin of Guadalupe a miraculous apparition, a dismissable religious icon, or does it have more importance? The Virgin of Guadalupe is said to be a miraculous image on ancient Mexican fabric. Is it correct to accept this, to dismiss it as silly, or is there a more significant history that's more intriguing than either of those? The Virgin of Guadalupe is said to be a miraculous image on ancient Mexican fabric. Is it correct to accept this, to dismiss it as silly, or is there a more significant history that's more intriguing than either of those? http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4201 Tue, 13 Apr 2010 00:00:00 GMT 14:50 virgin of guadalupe, virgin mary, our lady of guadalupe, catholicism Brian Dunning Don't blindly turn to science when you need answers - instead, seek out those who want to sell you something. You should never blindly trust what we've learned from science. A true skeptic will only trust claims coming from those who are trying to sell us something. You should never blindly trust what we've learned from science. A true skeptic will only trust claims coming from those who are trying to sell us something. http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4200 Tue, 06 Apr 2010 00:00:00 GMT 3:13 science, pseudoscience, medicine, alternative medicine Brian Dunning Skeptoid hits a milestone: 200 episodes. Skeptoid hits a milestone: 200 episodes. Learn how it works behind the scenes, and find out how you can help. Skeptoid hits a milestone: 200 episodes. Learn how it works behind the scenes, and find out how you can help. http://skeptoid.com/episodes/3021 Fri, 02 Apr 2010 00:00:00 GMT 13:05 skeptoid, podcast, recording, support Brian Dunning We point the skeptical eye at native religious groups in the South Pacific hoping to recreate WWII's influx of material goods. Certain cultures in the South Pacific believe that if they can recreate the conditions of WWII, ships and planes will arrive bearing cargos like those that brought them modern luxuries 70 years ago. But is their belief system really that simple, or is there more to it? Certain cultures in the South Pacific believe that if they can recreate the conditions of WWII, ships and planes will arrive bearing cargos like those that brought them modern luxuries 70 years ago. But is their belief system really that simple, or is there more to it? http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4199 Tue, 30 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT 12:17 cargo cults, john frum, tom navy, religion Brian Dunning Dubbed "America's Stonehenge", this granite monument in Georgia appeals to all sorts of conspiracy theorists. Dubbed "America's Stonehenge", the Georgia Guidestones were erected in 1980, bearing an inscription that seems to advocate global genocide and the dawn of a New World Order. Dubbed "America's Stonehenge", the Georgia Guidestones were erected in 1980, bearing an inscription that seems to advocate global genocide and the dawn of a New World Order. http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4198 Tue, 23 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT 12:33 georgia guidestones, new world order, freemasons, illuminati Brian Dunning Another perilous dive into the listener feedback files. Skeptoid takes another perilous dive into the listener feedback files. Skeptoid takes another perilous dive into the listener feedback files. http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4197 Tue, 16 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT 11:57 skeptoid, listener feedback, antikythera, big pharma Brian Dunning The Internet movie Zeitgeist uses flagrant dishonesty to make an ideological point that could have easily been made ethically. The Internet movie Zeitgeist is among a new breed of machines spreading conspiracy theories. Zeitgeist is a little different in that its true motivation is to advocate a utopian ideology. This raises the question: Why, then, promote the untrue conspiracy theories? The Internet movie Zeitgeist is among a new breed of machines spreading conspiracy theories. Zeitgeist is a little different in that its true motivation is to advocate a utopian ideology. This raises the question: Why, then, promote the untrue conspiracy theories? http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4196 Tue, 09 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT 12:08 zeitgeist, christianity, 9/11 truth, conspiracy theories Brian Dunning Skeptoid answers more questions sent in by students all around the world. Skeptoid answers student questions on electronic mosquito repellents, the Petition Project of scientists who deny global warming, getting sick from being near someone with a cold, athleticism of different races, and whether Einstein was smart because he spent an extra month in the womb. Skeptoid answers student questions on electronic mosquito repellents, the Petition Project of scientists who deny global warming, getting sick from being near someone with a cold, athleticism of different races, and whether Einstein was smart because he spent an extra month in the womb. http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4195 Tue, 02 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT 11:55 petition project, global warming, einstein's brain, race Brian Dunning Is the Denver International Airport really a headquarters for the New World Order? Conspiracy theorists claim that Denver International Airport is a headquarters from which the Illuminati will launch the New World Order via a global genocide. Are there other explanations for the clues they see? Conspiracy theorists claim that Denver International Airport is a headquarters from which the Illuminati will launch the New World Order via a global genocide. Are there other explanations for the clues they see? http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4194 Tue, 23 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT 14:25 denver airport, new world order, illuminati, denver international airport conspiracy Brian Dunning Faces appearing on the floor of a house in Spain were easily proven to have been faked - why does their story carry so much ongoing influence? Beginning in 1971, a series of ghastly faces began appearing on the concrete floor of a house in a Spanish village. Should people make life decisions based on their belief that these faces were divinely inspired? Beginning in 1971, a series of ghastly faces began appearing on the concrete floor of a house in a Spanish village. Should people make life decisions based on their belief that these faces were divinely inspired? http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4193 Tue, 16 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT 11:15 belmez faces, faces of belmez, psychics, ghosts Brian Dunning We've all heard of it, we all believe it exists - but what does science have to say? Ball lightning is often the first explanation many of us reach for when we hear any report involving a glowing orb of light. But science has yet to confirm that such a thing even exists at all, and the widely varying eyewitness reports don't help either. Ball lightning is often the first explanation many of us reach for when we hear any report involving a glowing orb of light. But science has yet to confirm that such a thing even exists at all, and the widely varying eyewitness reports don't help either. http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4192 Tue, 09 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT 11:58 ball lightning, nikola tesla, pseudoscience, weird phenomena Brian Dunning It's a popular story, but all the documentary and historical evidence tells us that no Jews were in Egypt at the time of the pyramids. Popular mythology tells us that the pyramids were built by Jewish slaves, but is there any evidence supporting this? Apparently not. Jews were elsewhere at the time, and skilled Egyptian workers were found to have been at the pyramids. Popular mythology tells us that the pyramids were built by Jewish slaves, but is there any evidence supporting this? Apparently not. Jews were elsewhere at the time, and skilled Egyptian workers were found to have been at the pyramids. http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4191 Tue, 02 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT 12:30 jews in egypt, pyramids, exodus, moses Brian Dunning Was the cause of this shattering boom in Newfoundland natural, or a test of a superweapon? In 1978, a massive boom shook this small island in Newfoundland, destroying buildings, killing animals, and ruining electrical wiring. Some say it was a test of a US superweapon. What does the evidence support? In 1978, a massive boom shook this small island in Newfoundland, destroying buildings, killing animals, and ruining electrical wiring. Some say it was a test of a US superweapon. What does the evidence support? http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4190 Tue, 26 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT 12:02 bell island boom, tesla, electromagnetic pulse, superweapon Brian Dunning Some call it Bullshido: Martial arts tricks like touchless attacks and the Touch of Death. Some call it Bullshido: Martial arts tricks that you see on YouTube. Instructors knocking out their students with a single touch, or even no touch at all. These con men have been tricking people into their schools for decades. Some call it Bullshido: Martial arts tricks that you see on YouTube. Instructors knocking out their students with a single touch, or even no touch at all. These con men have been tricking people into their schools for decades. http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4189 Tue, 19 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT 11:57 bullshido, dim mak, martial arts, touch of death Brian Dunning Skeptoid answers some questions sent in by students around the world. Skeptoid answers some student questions. This week: string theory, the Asian Flush, the Peltzman Effect, health benefits of daylight lamps, and temperature's effect on arthritis pain. Skeptoid answers some student questions. This week: string theory, the Asian Flush, the Peltzman Effect, health benefits of daylight lamps, and temperature's effect on arthritis pain. http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4188 Tue, 12 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT 12:21 string theory, asian flush, peltzman effect, daylight lamps Brian Dunning How you can help a friend or loved one with a potentially harmful pseudoscientific belief We all have friends and loved ones with pseudoscientific, supernatural, or just plain wrong beliefs. Sometimes these beliefs can become a danger to them. Here are some steps you can follow to help them see the light. We all have friends and loved ones with pseudoscientific, supernatural, or just plain wrong beliefs. Sometimes these beliefs can become a danger to them. Here are some steps you can follow to help them see the light. http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4187 Tue, 05 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT 11:58 paranormal, supernatural, pseudoscience Brian Dunning Going back over a few previous Skeptoid episodes to correct errors (head is hung in shame). Skeptoid takes a look back at some old episodes that had errors in them needing correction. Some are big, some are small, all need a slap upside the head. Skeptoid takes a look back at some old episodes that had errors in them needing correction. Some are big, some are small, all need a slap upside the head. http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4186 Tue, 29 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT 12:01 skeptoid Brian Dunning Some advocate that going barefoot is better for the health and strength of your feet. Some proponents advocate that going barefoot is not only better for the health of your feet, it can also help you perform better in sports or in virtually every other life situation. Some proponents advocate that going barefoot is not only better for the health of your feet, it can also help you perform better in sports or in virtually every other life situation. http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4185 Tue, 22 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT 12:27 barefoot, zola budd, barefeet, running Brian Dunning Does this ancient device, 1000 years ahead of its time, prove we were visited by aliens or time travelers? The Antikythera Mechanism is a sophisticated bronze instrument found in a shipwreck, dated 1000 years earlier than known peoples were able to build such things. Does it prove the existence of aliens, time travelers, or Atlanteans? The Antikythera Mechanism is a sophisticated bronze instrument found in a shipwreck, dated 1000 years earlier than known peoples were able to build such things. Does it prove the existence of aliens, time travelers, or Atlanteans? http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4184 Tue, 15 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT 12:06 antikythera mechanism, atlantis, aliens, time travel Brian Dunning What is the source of the glowing balls that rise from the Mekong river each October? Each October, a Thai festival celebrates the end of the Buddhist Lent with a giant river serpent who spits flaming balls into the sky. You can actually see them. Is there a natural explanation, or is the river serpent real? Each October, a Thai festival celebrates the end of the Buddhist Lent with a giant river serpent who spits flaming balls into the sky. You can actually see them. Is there a natural explanation, or is the river serpent real? http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4183 Tue, 08 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT 12:38 naga fireballs, thailand, buddhism, swamp gas Brian Dunning Another dip into the listener feedback files for Skeptoid. Skeptoid addresses some listener feedback pertaining to the Rendlesham Forest UFO, network marketing, microwaved food, and evil worldwide conspiracies of Illuminati. Skeptoid addresses some listener feedback pertaining to the Rendlesham Forest UFO, network marketing, microwaved food, and evil worldwide conspiracies of Illuminati. http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4182 Tue, 01 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT 11:22 rendlesham forest, network marketing, multilevel marketing, microwaves Brian Dunning Do modern metal pipes buried in ancient Chinese stone prove that aliens must have visited? On a lakeshore in China, modern metal pipes can be found buried throughout the ancient sediment, as much as 150,000 years ago. Does this prove an alien construction project, or might there be a natural explanation? On a lakeshore in China, modern metal pipes can be found buried throughout the ancient sediment, as much as 150,000 years ago. Does this prove an alien construction project, or might there be a natural explanation? http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4181 Tue, 24 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT 11:16 baigong pipes, out of place artifact, aliens, ufo Brian Dunning Do vaccines really contain the horrifying poisons claimed by antivaccine activists? A closer look at the actual ingredients in vaccines. Do they really contain the horrifying poisons claimed by antivaccine activists? The facts may surprise you. A closer look at the actual ingredients in vaccines. Do they really contain the horrifying poisons claimed by antivaccine activists? The facts may surprise you. http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4180 Tue, 17 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT 12:50 vaccine, mercury, aluminum, formaldehyde Brian Dunning Said to be the best evidence yet for the afterlife -- but how good is that evidence? In the most extensive research done yet on seances, the Scole Experiment sought to establish that such phenomena are real and actually supernatural. Just one problem: They forgot to employ any controls at all. In the most extensive research done yet on seances, the Scole Experiment sought to establish that such phenomena are real and actually supernatural. Just one problem: They forgot to employ any controls at all. http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4179 Tue, 10 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT 12:11 scole experiment, scole report, afterlife, seance Brian Dunning Skeptoid answers some more questions sent in by students, on a variety of short topics. Skeptoid takes on questions submitted by students on the Montauk Monster, the efficacy of skin moisturizer, bee sting therapy (ouch!), aluminum antiperspirants as a cause of breast cancer, inexpensive gasoline, and the claim that homosexuals have shorter lifespans. Skeptoid takes on questions submitted by students on the Montauk Monster, the efficacy of skin moisturizer, bee sting therapy (ouch!), aluminum antiperspirants as a cause of breast cancer, inexpensive gasoline, and the claim that homosexuals have shorter lifespans. http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4178 Tue, 03 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT 11:49 montauk monster, bee sting therapy, aluminum antiperspirants, breast cancer Brian Dunning A mysterious sound captured by NOAA hydrophones... could it be a sea monster? The Bloop was a mysterious sound captured by NOAA hydrophones in 1997. Cryptozoologists claim it as evidence of a gigantic unknown sea creature. What do NOAA scientists have to say? The Bloop was a mysterious sound captured by NOAA hydrophones in 1997. Cryptozoologists claim it as evidence of a gigantic unknown sea creature. What do NOAA scientists have to say? http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4177 Tue, 27 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT 14:48 bloop, cryptozoology, cryptid, NOAA Brian Dunning Call them Network Marketing, Multilevel Marketing, or MLM, these pyramid plans are proven not to work. Call them Network Marketing, Multilevel Marketing, or MLM, these pyramid plans are proven not to work. 99.95% of participants lose money. Are you REALLY among that .01% who will recover their costs? Call them Network Marketing, Multilevel Marketing, or MLM, these pyramid plans are proven not to work. 99.95% of participants lose money. Are you REALLY among that .01% who will recover their costs? http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4176 Tue, 20 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT 12:08 mlm, multilevel marketing, network marketing, matrix marketing Brian Dunning What are some likely explanations for these shadowy ghosts? Shadow people are dark, ghostlike forms often seen out of the corner of your eye. Witnesses often accept no explanations other than supernatural ones, but are there any rational (but still likely) causes for these phenomena? Shadow people are dark, ghostlike forms often seen out of the corner of your eye. Witnesses often accept no explanations other than supernatural ones, but are there any rational (but still likely) causes for these phenomena? http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4175 Tue, 13 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT 12:25 shadow people, ghosts, haunting, demons Brian Dunning More myths about the human body that you've always heard, and probably believe. Movies and Mom wisdom tell all kinds of tales about how the body works, how you need to take care of it, and what can happen to it. This week we look at some more of these tales and uncover the facts. Movies and Mom wisdom tell all kinds of tales about how the body works, how you need to take care of it, and what can happen to it. This week we look at some more of these tales and uncover the facts. http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4174 Tue, 06 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT 11:31 sex, balding, hair, water Brian Dunning Does astrology have any plausible foundations; and does it actually work? When examining astrology, we have to not only look at its foundations to see it it's based on any sound science, we also have to look at the results to see if there might be some actual effect due to an unknown force. When examining astrology, we have to not only look at its foundations to see it it's based on any sound science, we also have to look at the results to see if there might be some actual effect due to an unknown force. http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4173 Tue, 29 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT 15:23 astrology, horoscope, zodiac Brian Dunning What does daylight saving time really do for us, and what are the real reasons we have it? Most people think daylight saving time is for farmers or to save electricity. Today we look into those popular notions with some skepticism, and find out what the real reasons are. Most people think daylight saving time is for farmers or to save electricity. Today we look into those popular notions with some skepticism, and find out what the real reasons are. http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4172 Tue, 22 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT 11:10 daylight saving time, energy Brian Dunning At the beginning of WWII, the American defense forces in Los Angeles fought a battle against a UFO. During the opening days of World War II, the American defense forces guarding Los Angeles from Japanese attack opened fire one night. Who or what they were shooting at has remained a topic of debate for decades. During the opening days of World War II, the American defense forces guarding Los Angeles from Japanese attack opened fire one night. Who or what they were shooting at has remained a topic of debate for decades. http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4171 Tue, 15 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT 11:25 battle of los angeles, majestic 12, ufo, stanton friedman Brian Dunning What's the real explanation of frogs and fish raining from the sky? Hint: It's not waterspouts. Many times, people have reported storms of frogs and fish raining from the clouds. The usual explanation is that they've been lifted into the sky by a waterspout. But does this explanation hold any water? Many times, people have reported storms of frogs and fish raining from the clouds. The usual explanation is that they've been lifted into the sky by a waterspout. But does this explanation hold any water? http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4170 Tue, 08 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT 11:20 frogs, fish, raining frogs, weather Brian Dunning More replies to some of Skeptoid's more colorful listener feedback. More replies to some of Skeptoid's more colorful listener feedback. More replies to some of Skeptoid's more colorful listener feedback. http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4169 Tue, 01 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT 11:35 skeptoid, listener feedback, bioidentical, coral castle Brian Dunning inFact is a proposed new web video series from Brian Dunning. inFact is a proposed new web video series from Brian Dunning. I'm looking for sponsorship or a distribution deal. inFact is a proposed new web video series from Brian Dunning. I'm looking for sponsorship or a distribution deal. http://skeptoid.com/episodes/3018 Fri, 28 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT 2:26 web video, advertising, sponsorship, video podcast Brian Dunning Mormon Prophet Joseph Smith allegedly translated the adventures of Abraham in Egypt. Mormon Prophet Joseph Smith allegedly translated the adventures of Abraham in Egypt, written by his own hand upon papyrus. But modern translations of these same papyri tell a very different story. Mormon Prophet Joseph Smith allegedly translated the adventures of Abraham in Egypt, written by his own hand upon papyrus. But modern translations of these same papyri tell a very different story. http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4168 Tue, 25 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT 12:23 mormon, joseph smith, book of abraham, latter day saints Brian Dunning Do debates against pseudoscience advance the cause of science, or do they do more harm than good? When a scientist debates a pseudoscientist, he is presenting science as if it is an equally valid alternative opinion. Rather than educating about science, this spreads a harmful message that science is merely a competing viewpoint. When a scientist debates a pseudoscientist, he is presenting science as if it is an equally valid alternative opinion. Rather than educating about science, this spreads a harmful message that science is merely a competing viewpoint. http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4167 Tue, 18 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT 11:34 science, debate, pseudoscience Brian Dunning Is organic agriculture truly safer or better for the environment than modern farming? Proponents of organic agriculture support their product with a number of arguments that charge modern farming with being poisonous to those who eat it and to the environment. Which of these arguments hold any water? Proponents of organic agriculture support their product with a number of arguments that charge modern farming with being poisonous to those who eat it and to the environment. Which of these arguments hold any water? http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4166 Tue, 11 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT 15:48 organic, factory farming, chemical farming, pesticides Brian Dunning See if you can tell whether these food and fashion products are named after real people or fictitious people. Brand names are as important as ever, and marketers go to great lengths when they choose a person to name their product after. Are these popular food and fashion products named after real people, or fictitious people? Brand names are as important as ever, and marketers go to great lengths when they choose a person to name their product after. Are these popular food and fashion products named after real people, or fictitious people? http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4165 Tue, 04 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT 14:45 food, fashion, marketing, product names Brian Dunning Are they truly an ancient mystical order, or merely a mail-order New Age literature business? The Rosicrucians pack more ancient historical references into their image than half a library could contain, but they were only founded in 1915. Their teachings are based on the early 20th century New Thought movement. The Rosicrucians pack more ancient historical references into their image than half a library could contain, but they were only founded in 1915. Their teachings are based on the early 20th century New Thought movement. http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4164 Tue, 28 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT 12:08 rosicrucian, the secret, da vinci code, knights templar Brian Dunning Critical thinking offers the opposite of what seems to be popular. How do we get people to want it? Critical thinking does not offer impossibly easy answers to real problems, and so its message is distinctly unpopular in the marketplace. How can we encourage people to embrace information that will actually help them to lead better lives? Critical thinking does not offer impossibly easy answers to real problems, and so its message is distinctly unpopular in the marketplace. How can we encourage people to embrace information that will actually help them to lead better lives? http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4163 Tue, 21 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT 11:17 critical thinking, skepticism, television, entertainment Brian Dunning Is locally grown produce as green as its proponents seem to think it is? We all hope and expect that locally grown produce might be fresher than produce trucked in from a bigger farm, but do we also assign less plausible benefits to it? Does it really have a lower carbon footprint, for example? We all hope and expect that locally grown produce might be fresher than produce trucked in from a bigger farm, but do we also assign less plausible benefits to it? Does it really have a lower carbon footprint, for example? http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4162 Tue, 14 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT 12:41 locally grown produce, organic, farm, omnivore's dilemma Brian Dunning Some more jabs and punches between Skeptoid and its most vocal listeners. Another peek into the Skeptoid inbox to see what's annoying our listeners, and see what Skeptoid has to say back at them. Another peek into the Skeptoid inbox to see what's annoying our listeners, and see what Skeptoid has to say back at them. http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4161 Tue, 07 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT 12:46 listener feedback, natural medicine, fast food, flight 800 Brian Dunning Is an ad hominem attack really the best way to express disagreement? Making an ad hominem attack upon those with whom we disagree is not only missing the point, it's usually factually wrong and displays a lack of critical thinking. Making an ad hominem attack upon those with whom we disagree is not only missing the point, it's usually factually wrong and displays a lack of critical thinking. http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4160 Tue, 30 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT 10:26 sarah palin, mahmoud ahmadinejad, ben stein, bill maher Brian Dunning A skeptical look at the Mothman, an alleged prophet of disaster. Many people believe that whenever the Mothman appears, disaster soon follows and people die. Skeptoid takes a closer look at the events that led to this belief. Many people believe that whenever the Mothman appears, disaster soon follows and people die. Skeptoid takes a closer look at the events that led to this belief. http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4159 Tue, 23 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT 11:15 mothman, the mothman prophecies, prophecy, silver bridge collapse Brian Dunning Skeptoid answers questions sent in by students all around the world. Skeptoid answers student questions about the swine flu, the health risks of depleted uranium, claims about expensive audio cables, Family Constellations, and Functional Medicine. Skeptoid answers student questions about the swine flu, the health risks of depleted uranium, claims about expensive audio cables, Family Constellations, and Functional Medicine. http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4158 Tue, 16 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT 13:07 swine flu, depleted uranium, family constellations, functional medicine Brian Dunning A skeptical look at whether high fructose corn syrup is really any worse for you than sugar. Opponents say that high fructose corn syrup is responsible for obesity, diabetes, and other conditions, and that simple sugar is a safe substitute. But what does the chemistry say? Is it possible for the two compounds to have different effects on the body? Opponents say that high fructose corn syrup is responsible for obesity, diabetes, and other conditions, and that simple sugar is a safe substitute. But what does the chemistry say? Is it possible for the two compounds to have different effects on the body? http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4157 Tue, 09 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT 12:32 high fructose corn syrup, hfcs, obesity, corn syrup Brian Dunning Mel's Hole is said to be a mysterious bottomless pit in eastern Washington state. In eastern Washington state is said to be a strange bottomless pit, announced by its then owner, Mel Waters. Mel's Hole has all kinds of incredible supernatural properties. But... does it actually exist? In eastern Washington state is said to be a strange bottomless pit, announced by its then owner, Mel Waters. Mel's Hole has all kinds of incredible supernatural properties. But... does it actually exist? http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4156 Tue, 02 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT 11:03 mel's hole, art bell, george noory, coast to coast am Brian Dunning Is Neuro-linguistic Programming really a scientific psychotherapy breakthrough, or just a New Age self-help trend? Although the creators of Neuro-linguistic Programming bill it as a scientific breakthrough in psychotherapy, it's marketed and used by the New Age self-help industry. What is it, and is there any good science backing it up? Although the creators of Neuro-linguistic Programming bill it as a scientific breakthrough in psychotherapy, it's marketed and used by the New Age self-help industry. What is it, and is there any good science backing it up? http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4155 Tue, 26 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT 12:03 nlp, neuro-linguistic programming, self-help, esalen Brian Dunning We all know that Chuck Yeager broke the sound barrier in 1947, but did others beat him to it? Credible claims that others broke the sound barrier before Chuck Yeager come from several sources, including the German Me-163 and Me-262 fighters during WWII, and from George Welch flying an XP-86 fighter only days before Yeager's historic flight. Credible claims that others broke the sound barrier before Chuck Yeager come from several sources, including the German Me-163 and Me-262 fighters during WWII, and from George Welch flying an XP-86 fighter only days before Yeager's historic flight. http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4154 Tue, 19 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT 17:24 chuck yeager, sound barrier, aviation, komet Brian Dunning Another peek into the mailbag to see who loves us, and who hates us. More listener feedback. Some of it rabid, some of it crazy, some of it good, and all of it educational. More listener feedback. Some of it rabid, some of it crazy, some of it good, and all of it educational. http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4153 Tue, 12 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT 12:01 organic food, chiropractic, new age, orang pendek Brian Dunning Are mysterious blobs of flesh washed up on the world's beaches really unworthy of skeptical attention? Great globs of fleshy tissue have been washing up on beaches for as long as there have been beaches. Many seem nearly impossible to identify, so cryptozoologists believe they are a new species: Octopus giganteus. Great globs of fleshy tissue have been washing up on beaches for as long as there have been beaches. Many seem nearly impossible to identify, so cryptozoologists believe they are a new species: Octopus giganteus. http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4152 Tue, 05 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT 12:39 cryptozoology, giant squid, st augustine monster, bermuda blob Brian Dunning We all know what placebos can't do; how about what they can do? Everyone knows the role of placebos in clinical testing. But did you know that placebos can also be an effective medical treatment themselves? Everyone knows the role of placebos in clinical testing. But did you know that placebos can also be an effective medical treatment themselves? http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4151 Tue, 28 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT 13:04 placebo, acupuncture, homeopathy Brian Dunning A secret recording of an actual meeting of the Illuminati. Those Illuminati are at it again - planning their New World Order and global domination. Skeptoid special investigators captured this recording of a secret meeting of the Illuminati, the shadow government that secretly rules the planet. Those Illuminati are at it again - planning their New World Order and global domination. Skeptoid special investigators captured this recording of a secret meeting of the Illuminati, the shadow government that secretly rules the planet. http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4150 Tue, 21 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT 9:40 Illuminati, New World Order, Bilderbergers, Bohemian Club Brian Dunning Was one man able to move these huge coral blocks using some unknown technology? Coral Castle was built from 1,100 tons of coral blocks by one man, Ed Leedskalnin, over 28 years. How did he do it? Some say he used unknown advanced technology like magnetic vortices. Coral Castle was built from 1,100 tons of coral blocks by one man, Ed Leedskalnin, over 28 years. How did he do it? Some say he used unknown advanced technology like magnetic vortices. http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4149 Tue, 14 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT 11:41 coral castle, ed leedskalnin, rock gate park, magnets Brian Dunning Skeptoid answers some interesting questions sent in by students. Skeptoid answers student questions about the safety of menthol cigarettes, antibacterial cleansers, missing time reported by UFO believers, zero point energy, and the ability to sense when you're being watched. Skeptoid answers student questions about the safety of menthol cigarettes, antibacterial cleansers, missing time reported by UFO believers, zero point energy, and the ability to sense when you're being watched. http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4148 Tue, 07 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT 13:02 menthol cigarettes, antibacterial soap, missing time, zero point energy Brian Dunning The science behind binaural beats: What they are, what they are claimed to do, and what they can actually do. Some people listen to binaural beats (computer generated rhythmic audio files) in the belief that they can induce desired brain states, like a drug, or like an instant superpower pill. In this episode we look at the claims and at the actual science. Some people listen to binaural beats (computer generated rhythmic audio files) in the belief that they can induce desired brain states, like a drug, or like an instant superpower pill. In this episode we look at the claims and at the actual science. http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4147 Tue, 31 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT 12:02 binaural beat, digital drug, binaural beats Brian Dunning Young Earthers point to an infamous dating error as evidence that the Earth is only as old as the Bible says. An infamous case where a Young Earth geologist misused a common dating technique in order to discredit the age of the Earth has become one of the cornerstones of the Biblical Young Earth movement. An infamous case where a Young Earth geologist misused a common dating technique in order to discredit the age of the Earth has become one of the cornerstones of the Biblical Young Earth movement. http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4146 Tue, 24 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT 13:00 mount st helens, young earth, creationism, evolution Brian Dunning A skeptical look at the claim that FEMA maintains a network of prison camps in readiness. Some say that the government maintains a network of up to 800 prison camps, staffed and ready to accept US citizens, to support the New World Order. Some say that the government maintains a network of up to 800 prison camps, staffed and ready to accept US citizens, to support the New World Order. http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4145 Tue, 17 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT 11:50 fema, prison camps, concentration camps, illuminati Brian Dunning A collection of bizarre human skulls from around the world. There are a number of "weird skulls" from around the world, but how many of them are actually real? Before concluding that there are anomalous skulls out there, first check the validity of your source. There are a number of "weird skulls" from around the world, but how many of them are actually real? Before concluding that there are anomalous skulls out there, first check the validity of your source. http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4144 Tue, 10 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT 15:13 starchild skull, peruvian conehead skulls, horned skull, skulls Brian Dunning Some believe that NASA is trying to turn Saturn or Jupiter into a small sun. It started with a fanciful story idea by Arthur C. Clarke and Stanley Kubrick, and has grown into a detailed conspiracy theory. Some people believe the real reason for NASA's deep space probes is to turn Saturn or Jupiter into a second sun. It started with a fanciful story idea by Arthur C. Clarke and Stanley Kubrick, and has grown into a detailed conspiracy theory. Some people believe the real reason for NASA's deep space probes is to turn Saturn or Jupiter into a second sun. http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4143 Tue, 03 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT 12:33 lucifer, 2001, galileo, cassini Brian Dunning Answering more questions sent in by students. More student questions answered: Does sugar make kids hyperactive; is secondhand smoke actually dangerous; why do people hate Wal-Mart so much; is omega-3 fatty acid supplementation worthwhile; and is radiometric dating actually useful? More student questions answered: Does sugar make kids hyperactive; is secondhand smoke actually dangerous; why do people hate Wal-Mart so much; is omega-3 fatty acid supplementation worthwhile; and is radiometric dating actually useful? http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4142 Tue, 24 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT 13:35 secondhand smoke, wal-mart, omega-3 fatty acid, radiometric dating Brian Dunning More fun from the listener feedback files. Another round of responses to emails and web site comments from listeners. Another round of responses to emails and web site comments from listeners. http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4141 Tue, 17 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT 11:40 listener feedback, organic food, raelians Brian Dunning Does the world's oldest and largest ancient pyramid stand unnoticed in the open in a tiny village in Bosnia? Some say that a 700-foot hill in a small village in Bosnia is actually the world's largest and oldest pyramid, connected by a network of subterranean tunnels, and demonstrating a level of workmanship that predated and was superior to the Egyptians. We point our skeptical eye at the Bosnia Pyramids. Some say that a 700-foot hill in a small village in Bosnia is actually the world's largest and oldest pyramid, connected by a network of subterranean tunnels, and demonstrating a level of workmanship that predated and was superior to the Egyptians. We point our skeptical eye at the Bosnia Pyramids. http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4140 Tue, 10 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT 13:25 bosnian pyramid, pyramid of the sun, osmanagic, valley of the pyramids Brian Dunning Sellers of new-age water treatment products charge outrageous prices for zero plausibility. Kangen and other similar companies sell machines that purport to "ionize" or alkalize your water, claiming a huge range of fantastic health benefits. The only problem? None of it has any remote scientific plausibility. Kangen and other similar companies sell machines that purport to "ionize" or alkalize your water, claiming a huge range of fantastic health benefits. The only problem? None of it has any remote scientific plausibility. http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4139 Tue, 03 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT 12:29 kangen, ionized water, alkaline water, change your water change your life Brian Dunning A look at some popular characters from history. Were they real or fictional? You probably know most of these, but you won't know all of them. Some popular characters from history were real, and some were fictional -- but who really knows which were which? You probably know most of these, but you won't know all of them. Some popular characters from history were real, and some were fictional -- but who really knows which were which? http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4138 Tue, 27 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT 13:26 sherlock holmes, king arthur, pocahontas, robin hood Brian Dunning Did a mysterious heavenly host save a small group of British from a large German force in World War I? Popular fiction tells us that a small group of British soldiers in World War I defeated a vastly superior German force with the help of angels sent from heaven. Does this story have its roots in military history, or in pulp fiction stories? Popular fiction tells us that a small group of British soldiers in World War I defeated a vastly superior German force with the help of angels sent from heaven. Does this story have its roots in military history, or in pulp fiction stories? http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4137 Tue, 20 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT 10:29 angel of mons, angels at mons, angels, angel worship Brian Dunning Skeptoid answers another round of questions submitted by students. Skeptoid answers questions on light therapy, the Bermuda Triangle, jumping to throw the Earth off its axis, vaccinations and autism, and environmental estrogens. Skeptoid answers questions on light therapy, the Bermuda Triangle, jumping to throw the Earth off its axis, vaccinations and autism, and environmental estrogens. http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4136 Tue, 13 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT 11:56 bermuda triangle, vaccination, autism, environmental estrogens Brian Dunning Did a UFO with flashing colored lights harass a USAF base in England in 1980? In 1980, a UFO with flashing colored lights is said to have floated around the forest outside a USAF base in England for three nights in a row in plain view of military security who recorded the event. We point our skeptical eye at the evidence. In 1980, a UFO with flashing colored lights is said to have floated around the forest outside a USAF base in England for three nights in a row in plain view of military security who recorded the event. We point our skeptical eye at the evidence. http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4135 Tue, 06 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT 16:08 rendlesham forest, coverup, ufo, aliens Brian Dunning Skeptics and believers both tend to accuse each other of similar faults in their thinking. Skeptics and believers both accuse each other of being closed minded, of being "true believers", and of trying to justify preconceived notions. Are they both right, or is neither right? Skeptics and believers both accuse each other of being closed minded, of being "true believers", and of trying to justify preconceived notions. Are they both right, or is neither right? http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4134 Tue, 30 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT 11:37 closed minded, skeptics, skepticism, logical fallacy Brian Dunning What is the source of the Australian outback's mysterious channel country jack o' lantern? Some say the Min Min Light in Australia's channel country is a ghost light, others that it's some strange form of electroluminescence. Happily for us, but perhaps sadly for the legend, the truth has been conclusively determined. Some say the Min Min Light in Australia's channel country is a ghost light, others that it's some strange form of electroluminescence. Happily for us, but perhaps sadly for the legend, the truth has been conclusively determined. http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4133 Tue, 23 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT 10:45 min min light, ghost light, australia, ufo Brian Dunning We cast our skeptical eye upon two vast hazards to navigation said to lurk in the centers of the two great oceans. The Atlantic's Sargasso Sea is said to trap ships inside its tangled masses of seaweed, and the Pacific Trash Vortex is said to be a floating island the size of Texas. Are these two hazards real, or tall tales cooked up by mariners? The Atlantic's Sargasso Sea is said to trap ships inside its tangled masses of seaweed, and the Pacific Trash Vortex is said to be a floating island the size of Texas. Are these two hazards real, or tall tales cooked up by mariners? http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4132 Tue, 16 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT 9:52 sargasso sea, pacific trash vortex, pacific garbage patch, east garbage patch Brian Dunning Are the wealthy and powerful men at the Bohemian Grove actually there to plot global domination? Stories abound about San Francisco's well connected Bohemian Club members: Everything from plots of global domination to stories of bizarre human sacrifice rituals to pagan god in the redwood grove. What are the facts? Stories abound about San Francisco's well connected Bohemian Club members: Everything from plots of global domination to stories of bizarre human sacrifice rituals to pagan god in the redwood grove. What are the facts? http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4131 Tue, 09 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT 12:56 bohemian grove, bohemian club, moloch, molech Brian Dunning Think you know what it is? Skeptoid has a much more important impact than preaching to the choir of people who are already skeptical. Find out how you can help Skeptoid introduce critical thinking to students who have never been given the tools. Skeptoid has a much more important impact than preaching to the choir of people who are already skeptical. Find out how you can help Skeptoid introduce critical thinking to students who have never been given the tools. http://skeptoid.com/episodes/3011 Sat, 06 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT 2:31 students, critical thinking, education, skepticism Brian Dunning Many companies offer extraterrestrial real estate or star-naming rights for sale. Is it legitimate? Name a star or an asteroid? Buy real estate on the Moon or Mars? Companies are selling it. We turn our skeptical eye on this practice to see if such sales have any scientific legitimacy. Name a star or an asteroid? Buy real estate on the Moon or Mars? Companies are selling it. We turn our skeptical eye on this practice to see if such sales have any scientific legitimacy. http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4130 Tue, 02 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT 8:59 lunar embassy, international star registry, star names, asteroids Brian Dunning Is a pirate treasure buried in this mysterious pit in Nova Scotia? Discovered in 1795, some say this strange pit on an island in Nova Scotia conceals a pirate treasure worth millions of pounds. The truth may be a little less sensational. Discovered in 1795, some say this strange pit on an island in Nova Scotia conceals a pirate treasure worth millions of pounds. The truth may be a little less sensational. http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4129 Tue, 25 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT 10:31 oak island money pit, captain kidd, buried treasure, money pit Brian Dunning Skeptoid answers some questions sent in by students. Skeptoid answers more student questions about the Mozart Effect, Quantum Theory, the cause of AIDS, gastric reflux disease, and the efficiencies of recycling. Skeptoid answers more student questions about the Mozart Effect, Quantum Theory, the cause of AIDS, gastric reflux disease, and the efficiencies of recycling. http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4128 Tue, 18 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT 11:01 the mozart effect, the secret, what the bleep do we know, recycling Brian Dunning The artificial sweetener aspartame is falsely accused of being the cause of nearly every disease. The artificial sweetener aspartame has been a mainstay of diet soft drinks and other foods for decades, and all testing has shown it to be safe. But for some reason, activists credit it with millions of deaths worldwide and blame it for nearly every disease. The artificial sweetener aspartame has been a mainstay of diet soft drinks and other foods for decades, and all testing has shown it to be safe. But for some reason, activists credit it with millions of deaths worldwide and blame it for nearly every disease. http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4127 Tue, 11 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT 12:29 aspartame, Donald Rumsfeld, Russell Blaylock, Nancy Markle Brian Dunning We turn our skeptical eye on claims of incorruptibility - bodies that do not decay after death. The Catholics are not the only church that claims incorruptible martyrs and saints -- bodies that do not decay after death. Buddhist monks have practiced this for centuries. But not all are as miraculous as claimed. The Catholics are not the only church that claims incorruptible martyrs and saints -- bodies that do not decay after death. Buddhist monks have practiced this for centuries. But not all are as miraculous as claimed. http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4126 Tue, 04 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT 11:32 hambo lama itigelov, incorrupt, padre pio, saint bernadette Brian Dunning A critical look at the antics of Oprah Winfrey, Jenny McCarthy, Prince Charles, Bill Maher, Larry King, Pamela Anderson, Ben Stein, Joe Rogan, Chuck Norris, and Montel Williams. When you have a giant audience, you have a giant responsibility; and the celebrities on this list fail to deliver. A critical look at the antics of Oprah Winfrey, Jenny McCarthy, Prince Charles, Bill Maher, Larry King, Pamela Anderson, Ben Stein, Joe Rogan, Chuck Norris, and Montel Williams. When you have a giant audience, you have a giant responsibility; and the celebrities on this list fail to deliver. A critical look at the antics of Oprah Winfrey, Jenny McCarthy, Prince Charles, Bill Maher, Larry King, Pamela Anderson, Ben Stein, Joe Rogan, Chuck Norris, and Montel Williams. http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4125 Tue, 28 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT 13:30 Oprah Winfrey, Jenny McCarthy, Prince Charles, Bill Maher Brian Dunning A critical look at the original UFO abduction story, that so many people take for granted. In 1961, Betty and Barney Hill claimed to have been taken aboard an alien spacecraft and had experiments performed on them. It's always been considered the seminal abduction story, and rarely questioned. Today we question it, in spades. In 1961, Betty and Barney Hill claimed to have been taken aboard an alien spacecraft and had experiments performed on them. It's always been considered the seminal abduction story, and rarely questioned. Today we question it, in spades. http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4124 Tue, 21 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT 13:18 betty and barney hill, ufo, alien, abduction Brian Dunning More fun from the inbox, responding to listener feedback. Reading and responding to some more listener feedback emails, on topics such as genetically modified foods, running your car on water, yet more MonaVie nonsense, and my giant kickbacks from Big Agriculture. Reading and responding to some more listener feedback emails, on topics such as genetically modified foods, running your car on water, yet more MonaVie nonsense, and my giant kickbacks from Big Agriculture. http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4123 Tue, 14 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT 9:49 genetically modified food, monavie, 9/11, oil crisis Brian Dunning A close look at HAARP, the High Frequency Active Auroral Research Program, and the claim that it's a superweapon. Critics of HAARP (the High Frequency Active Auroral Research Program) in Alaska charge that it is a superweapon responsible for earthquakes and weather disasters. The scientists behind it paint quite a different picture of its research goals. Which is true? Critics of HAARP (the High Frequency Active Auroral Research Program) in Alaska charge that it is a superweapon responsible for earthquakes and weather disasters. The scientists behind it paint quite a different picture of its research goals. Which is true? http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4122 Tue, 07 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT 12:59 haarp, darpa, onr, tesla Brian Dunning Did Nikola Tesla really design a superweapon capable of vaporizing whole parts of the earth? Proponents of hypothesized "scalar weapons" claim that they are a real class of atmospheric superweapons actually in use by major governments and clandestine crime organizations to cause natural disasters and other attacks worldwide. Proponents of hypothesized "scalar weapons" claim that they are a real class of atmospheric superweapons actually in use by major governments and clandestine crime organizations to cause natural disasters and other attacks worldwide. http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4121 Tue, 30 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT 10:45 tesla, thomas bearden, scalar weapon, superweapon Brian Dunning A new Young Earth Fundamentalist online encyclopedia rears its ugly head. It's bad enough for an online encyclopedia to present the Young Earth anti-science view of our natural world and physical sciences, but it's worse when Conservapedia disguises itself as merely an "unbiased" knowledge resource. It's bad enough for an online encyclopedia to present the Young Earth anti-science view of our natural world and physical sciences, but it's worse when Conservapedia disguises itself as merely an "unbiased" knowledge resource. http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4120 Tue, 23 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT 11:44 conservapedia, young earth, christian, creation Brian Dunning Skeptoid answers some more questions from students. Send yours in today! Skeptoid answers some more student questions, this time on body searches in airports, theta healing, dreams coming true, marijuana use, and the physiological causes of homosexuality. Skeptoid answers some more student questions, this time on body searches in airports, theta healing, dreams coming true, marijuana use, and the physiological causes of homosexuality. http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4119 Tue, 16 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT 10:05 theta healing, marijuana, body search, homosexuality Brian Dunning An exploration of the best way to evaluate an old, unsubstantiated folk legend like The Bell Witch. The Bell Witch is said to have tormented the Bell family of Tennessee in the early 1800's, and even to have murdered the father and beaten US President Andrew Jackson in a challenge. In this episode we follow the process of responsibly investigating these claims to see what (most likely) really happened. The Bell Witch is said to have tormented the Bell family of Tennessee in the early 1800's, and even to have murdered the father and beaten US President Andrew Jackson in a challenge. In this episode we follow the process of responsibly investigating these claims to see what (most likely) really happened. http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4118 Tue, 09 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT 11:28 bell witch, blair witch, andrew jackson Brian Dunning Popular stories and Internet videos say that cell phone signals are dangerous. Is there any truth to this? Turn on CNN or watch YouTube and you'll hear plenty of tales about cell phone radiation being dangerous to human tissue, causing cancer or other health problems. Shouldn't it tell you something that there has never been a documented case of a single victim? Turn on CNN or watch YouTube and you'll hear plenty of tales about cell phone radiation being dangerous to human tissue, causing cancer or other health problems. Shouldn't it tell you something that there has never been a documented case of a single victim? http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4117 Tue, 02 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT 11:07 cell phone danger, popcorn video, cell phone radiation, cellular phones Brian Dunning Being known as a skeptic is not necessarily good for your social life. Here's how to overcome the difficulties. When you're known as a skeptic, it often makes you unpopular among the pseudoscience believing majority. You're known as that hateful, doubting jerk. Here is one way to manage this process and turn "being the skeptic" from a liability into an advantage. When you're known as a skeptic, it often makes you unpopular among the pseudoscience believing majority. You're known as that hateful, doubting jerk. Here is one way to manage this process and turn "being the skeptic" from a liability into an advantage. http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4116 Tue, 26 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT 8:51 skeptic, skepticism, skeptical, critical thinking Brian Dunning Did a young pair of Italian brothers uncover evidence of Soviet cosmonauts dying in space? In 1961, young Italian amateur radio enthusiasts Achille and Giovanni Judica-Cordiglia recorded transmissions they say are from Soviet cosmonauts dying in space, on missions covered up by the Soviets. Is their story plausible? In 1961, young Italian amateur radio enthusiasts Achille and Giovanni Judica-Cordiglia recorded transmissions they say are from Soviet cosmonauts dying in space, on missions covered up by the Soviets. Is their story plausible? http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4115 Tue, 19 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT 13:38 Achille and Giovanni Judica-Cordiglia, Yuri Gagarin, Vladimir Ilyushin, Lost Cosmonauts Brian Dunning Skeptoid answers some questions sent in by students. Skeptoid answers some questions sent in by students about fish oil, charity fraud, rumors, non-falsifiable science, and osteopathy. Skeptoid answers some questions sent in by students about fish oil, charity fraud, rumors, non-falsifiable science, and osteopathy. http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4114 Tue, 12 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT 9:37 fish oil, rumors, osteopathy, charity fraud Brian Dunning Does homeopathy contain any useful content, or is it just a lot of nothing? Does homeopathy contain any useful content, or is it just a lot of nothing? Does homeopathy contain any useful content, or is it just a lot of nothing? http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4113 Fri, 08 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT 10:06 homeopathy, homeopathic Brian Dunning Are GMO crops dangerous, or a boon to mankind? Some environmental lobbyists go to great lengths to deny food, to which they have personal objections, to starving people in poor countries. They base these actions on a long list of spiritual, pseudoscientific, and irrelevant red herring objections to food science. Some environmental lobbyists go to great lengths to deny food, to which they have personal objections, to starving people in poor countries. They base these actions on a long list of spiritual, pseudoscientific, and irrelevant red herring objections to food science. http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4112 Tue, 05 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT 14:27 gmo, monsanto, genetic engineering, genetically modified organisms Brian Dunning Misinformation and fantasy surrounds the popular Tibet notions. Celebrities and many others passionately advocate for a free Tibet. Do they really understand what that means? Are they aware that not even the Dalai Lama himself wants a free Tibet? Celebrities and many others passionately advocate for a free Tibet. Do they really understand what that means? Are they aware that not even the Dalai Lama himself wants a free Tibet? http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4111 Tue, 29 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT 11:39 tibet, dalai lama, china, free tibet Brian Dunning Did three children miraculously predict a dancing sun in Portugal in 1917? The famous "Miracle of the Sun" is said to be one of the Catholic Church's greatest miracles. But, under just the tiniest bit of scrutiny, it seems there is no good reason to suspect that anything remotely unusual might have happened. The famous "Miracle of the Sun" is said to be one of the Catholic Church's greatest miracles. But, under just the tiniest bit of scrutiny, it seems there is no good reason to suspect that anything remotely unusual might have happened. http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4110 Tue, 22 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT 11:05 fatima, miracle of the sun, lucia santos, three secrets Brian Dunning Some people believe that CERN's new Large Hadron Collider will create black holes that will destroy the Earth. CERN has finally completed construction of the Large Hadron Collider, the world's most powerful particle collider. But some alarmists who don't understand the science have been given a platform by the mass media to spread fear and misinformation that the LHC is somehow a dangerous threat to the planet. CERN has finally completed construction of the Large Hadron Collider, the world's most powerful particle collider. But some alarmists who don't understand the science have been given a platform by the mass media to spread fear and misinformation that the LHC is somehow a dangerous threat to the planet. http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4109 Tue, 15 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT 11:22 cern, large hadron collider, lhc, black hole Brian Dunning A look at one of the most bizarre cases in Russian cross country skiing history. Nine cross country skiers died in the Ural Mountains in 1959 in the most bizarre of circumstances. Secret Russian military tests have been blamed, as have UFOs. What really happened? Nine cross country skiers died in the Ural Mountains in 1959 in the most bizarre of circumstances. Secret Russian military tests have been blamed, as have UFOs. What really happened? http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4108 Tue, 08 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT 10:30 dyatlov pass, ufo, igor dyatlov, russia Brian Dunning A look at mysterious shortwave "numbers stations" around the world. Since the cold war, there have been many mysterious shortwave radio broadcasts called numbers stations, transmitted encrypted messages for some unknown purpose. What are they really, and what do they sound like? Since the cold war, there have been many mysterious shortwave radio broadcasts called numbers stations, transmitted encrypted messages for some unknown purpose. What are they really, and what do they sound like? http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4107 Tue, 01 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT 10:28 numbers stations, yosemite sam, lincolnshire poacher, atencion Brian Dunning A look at the tale, the popular explanation, and the real science behind it. We've all heard the story of King Tut's curse, and we've all heard the popular scientific sounding explanation. Today we look at the real science behind what actually happened. We've all heard the story of King Tut's curse, and we've all heard the popular scientific sounding explanation. Today we look at the real science behind what actually happened. http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4106 Tue, 24 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT 10:43 king tut's curse, mummy's curse, howard carter, tomb toxins Brian Dunning Some people believe that your brain encodes its actual meaning in reverse within everything you say. Some people think that when you say something and play it backwards, you'll hear what your brain truly intended to say. Somehow the brain is clever (and honest) enough to choose words that, when played backwards, say what you actually meant. Some people think that when you say something and play it backwards, you'll hear what your brain truly intended to say. Somehow the brain is clever (and honest) enough to choose words that, when played backwards, say what you actually meant. http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4105 Tue, 17 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT 11:10 backmasking, backward masking, reverse speech, evp Brian Dunning Another visit to the endless well of listeners comments and criticisms. There was just too much Detoxification feedback to pass up, I had to pass along a second batch. Plus, a few other assorted episodes that are also worthy of note. There was just too much Detoxification feedback to pass up, I had to pass along a second batch. Plus, a few other assorted episodes that are also worthy of note. http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4104 Tue, 10 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT 12:43 skeptoid, listener feedback, detoxification, criticism Brian Dunning Will daily doses of vitamin C really help prevent a cold? Folk wisdom has long told us that daily megadoses of vitamin C can cure the common cold, and even prevent us from catching one. Megadosing on other vitamins can prolong life, treat or prevent other diseases, and even improve general well being and happiness. Are these stories true? Let's take a look at the science behind them. Folk wisdom has long told us that daily megadoses of vitamin C can cure the common cold, and even prevent us from catching one. Megadosing on other vitamins can prolong life, treat or prevent other diseases, and even improve general well being and happiness. Are these stories true? Let's take a look at the science behind them. http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4103 Tue, 03 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT 10:12 vitamins, vitamin c, linus pauling, airborne Brian Dunning Did the infamous Stanford Prison Experiment prove that evil environments produce evil behavior, or were there serious flaws in the experiment? Dr. Philip Zimbardo's infamous Stanford Prison Experiment is popularly believed to have proven that bad environments produce bad behavior in good people. However, a closer and more critical look at the experiment itself and its methodology shows that it may not have been a valid experiment at all, and merely an illustration of one man's beliefs. Dr. Philip Zimbardo's infamous Stanford Prison Experiment is popularly believed to have proven that bad environments produce bad behavior in good people. However, a closer and more critical look at the experiment itself and its methodology shows that it may not have been a valid experiment at all, and merely an illustration of one man's beliefs. http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4102 Tue, 27 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT 10:16 stanford prison experiment, dr. philip zimbardo, abu ghraib, naked human pyramid Brian Dunning A look back correcting some of the facts and figures that Skeptoid has gotten wrong. Although you probably naturally assume that I'm always right about everything, in fact I do sometimes get stuff wrong, with my limited resources and all. Here's a look back at a few examples. Although you probably naturally assume that I'm always right about everything, in fact I do sometimes get stuff wrong, with my limited resources and all. Here's a look back at a few examples. http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4101 Tue, 20 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT 11:20 skeptoid, corrections, errata Brian Dunning Doomsayers claim that peak oil will produce worldwide panic and disaster, but the lessons of history make a very different prediction. Doomsayer web sites claim that peak oil, the point at which diminishing supply forces oil production to drop and no longer be able to meet demand, will result in a worldwide panic of unprecedented proportions. But peaks like this have always happened throughout history, and we've learned that the nature of market economies is to react and adapt. Doomsayer web sites claim that peak oil, the point at which diminishing supply forces oil production to drop and no longer be able to meet demand, will result in a worldwide panic of unprecedented proportions. But peaks like this have always happened throughout history, and we've learned that the nature of market economies is to react and adapt. http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4100 Tue, 13 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT 10:17 peak oil, oil production Brian Dunning Was TWA Flight 800 brought down by US friendly fire? Sometimes the NTSB simply can't find the definitive cause of an accident. There isn't always as much hard physical evidence as we're likely to be. Unfortunately, conspiracy theorists believe that whenever this happens, the most reasonable explanation is a massive government coverup of unspeakable proportions. Sometimes the NTSB simply can't find the definitive cause of an accident. There isn't always as much hard physical evidence as we're likely to be. Unfortunately, conspiracy theorists believe that whenever this happens, the most reasonable explanation is a massive government coverup of unspeakable proportions. http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4099 Tue, 06 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT 11:22 twa flight 800, friendly fire, conspiracy, cia Brian Dunning Is the crystal skull truly an ancient Mayan artifact with mysterious powers? Believers say the Crystal Skull, and others like it (like the one in the Indiana Jones movie), is of ancient origin and possesses magical powers. The facts tell quite a different story. Believers say the Crystal Skull, and others like it (like the one in the Indiana Jones movie), is of ancient origin and possesses magical powers. The facts tell quite a different story. http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4098 Tue, 29 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT 8:53 crystal skull, mitchell-hedges, indiana jones, indiana jones and the kingdom of the crystal skull Brian Dunning Is the face on Mars an artificial sculpture made by alien hands, or merely a natural hill? Today we look at the face on Mars in the Cydonia Mensae region. Conspiracy theorist Richard Hoagland believes it's proof of a Martian civilization. But photography, the perceptual phenomenon called pareidolia, and the Law of Large Numbers combine to say that it's simply a natural hill. Today we look at the face on Mars in the Cydonia Mensae region. Conspiracy theorist Richard Hoagland believes it's proof of a Martian civilization. But photography, the perceptual phenomenon called pareidolia, and the Law of Large Numbers combine to say that it's simply a natural hill. http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4097 Tue, 22 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT 9:30 mars, richard hoagland, cydonia mensae, face on mars Brian Dunning The Secret teaches that victims are always to blame, and that anyone can have anything simply by wishing. The 2006 book and movie "The Secret" teaches tired old self-help motivational concepts wrapped inside a century-old version of New Age metaphysics. This idea has been widely criticized and attacked from all angles, and rightfully so. The 2006 book and movie "The Secret" teaches tired old self-help motivational concepts wrapped inside a century-old version of New Age metaphysics. This idea has been widely criticized and attacked from all angles, and rightfully so. http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4096 Tue, 15 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT 10:26 the secret, law of attraction, rhonda byrne, new thought Brian Dunning Are business opportunities offered for sale truly worth it? Everyone wants to sell you something. And when that product is the promise of financial freedom owning your own business, you can be pretty certain 9 times out of 10 that someone is pocketing your money for no good reason. Real business opportunities are made, not purchased from ads on the Internet. Everyone wants to sell you something. And when that product is the promise of financial freedom owning your own business, you can be pretty certain 9 times out of 10 that someone is pocketing your money for no good reason. Real business opportunities are made, not purchased from ads on the Internet. http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4095 Tue, 08 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT 10:49 business opportunity, multilevel marketing, mlm, amway Brian Dunning What evidence is there that Travis Walton was abducted for 5 days from an Arizona forest in 1975? The Travis Walton UFO abduction case, popularized in his book and in the movie Fire in the Sky, is said to be the most compelling abduction case because of the number of eyewitnesses. Did you know these eyewitnesses were all buddies of his who failed as many polygraphs as they passed? The Travis Walton UFO abduction case, popularized in his book and in the movie Fire in the Sky, is said to be the most compelling abduction case because of the number of eyewitnesses. Did you know these eyewitnesses were all buddies of his who failed as many polygraphs as they passed? http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4094 Tue, 01 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT 11:00 travis walton, fire in the sky, ufo abduction, phillip klass Brian Dunning The real science behind the events predicted in 2012. A number of ancient legends have been interpreted by modern astrologers and doomsayers to mean that the world is coming to an end in 2012. Fear not; not only is there no historical basis to these claims, but there are far more stories of Armageddon with completely different dates to worry about. A number of ancient legends have been interpreted by modern astrologers and doomsayers to mean that the world is coming to an end in 2012. Fear not; not only is there no historical basis to these claims, but there are far more stories of Armageddon with completely different dates to worry about. http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4093 Tue, 25 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT 11:15 armageddon, apocalpyse, 2012, nibiru Brian Dunning Are modern nuclear reactors as bad for us as the environmentalists have painted them? Nuclear reactors on today's drawing board produce little or no waste, are cheaper and safer, and can't be used to create weapons grade plutonium. So remind me, please: Why has the environmental lobby forced us instead on to the polluting alternative of coal and oil fired power plants? Nuclear reactors on today's drawing board produce little or no waste, are cheaper and safer, and can't be used to create weapons grade plutonium. So remind me, please: Why has the environmental lobby forced us instead on to the polluting alternative of coal and oil fired power plants? http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4092 Tue, 18 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT 12:03 nuclear, chernobyl, three mile island, global warming Brian Dunning My responses to some of the more "out there" feedback I've received. Yet another mano-a-mano round between me and my least enthusiastic listeners. Come and join the fun! Yet another mano-a-mano round between me and my least enthusiastic listeners. Come and join the fun! http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4091 Tue, 11 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT 10:38 listener feedback, mona vie, ghost hunters, mormon Brian Dunning An exploration of the mysterious rumble that some people hear all over the world. Some people hear a mysterious rumble called the Hum in various places, and it's infamous in certain locales. The Taos Hum, the Bristol Hum, the Auckland Hum, the Kokomo Hum. Is there a single explanation for all of them? Some people hear a mysterious rumble called the Hum in various places, and it's infamous in certain locales. The Taos Hum, the Bristol Hum, the Auckland Hum, the Kokomo Hum. Is there a single explanation for all of them? http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4090 Tue, 04 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT 11:35 taos hum, auckland hum, kokomo hum, bristol hum Brian Dunning My thoughts on a company that sells useless pseudoscientific hardware to an ALS victim. The wet cell battery, a useless piece of pseudoscience hardware conceived by early 20th century celebrity psychic Edgar Cayce, is offered for sale to people with serious terminal and debilitating illnesses, with no hope of actual treatment. The wet cell battery, a useless piece of pseudoscience hardware conceived by early 20th century celebrity psychic Edgar Cayce, is offered for sale to people with serious terminal and debilitating illnesses, with no hope of actual treatment. http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4089 Tue, 26 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT 10:31 edgar cayce, baar, wet cell battery, als Brian Dunning Unlike what's said in highly dramatized Hollywood documentaries, fast food is not especially unhealthy. "Super Size Me" was a highly dramatized documentary movie that stated fast food has extremely dangerous side effects. But, when we examine the issue skeptically, we see that the science tells us something very different. "Super Size Me" was a highly dramatized documentary movie that stated fast food has extremely dangerous side effects. But, when we examine the issue skeptically, we see that the science tells us something very different. http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4088 Tue, 19 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT 10:32 mcdonald's, super size me, morgan spurlock, fast food nation Brian Dunning Can simple water really be burned to solve our energy problems? Hundreds of claims exist to burn water to make energy, whether as a supplemental power source for your car or as some new kind of way to power the generation of electricity using free fuel and producing no emissions. Yet these systems all share a fatal flaw: They consume more energy than they produce. Hundreds of claims exist to burn water to make energy, whether as a supplemental power source for your car or as some new kind of way to power the generation of electricity using free fuel and producing no emissions. Yet these systems all share a fatal flaw: They consume more energy than they produce. http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4087 Tue, 12 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT 10:02 water fuel, burning water, john kanzius, oxyhydrogen Brian Dunning Are superfruit juices anything more than super ripoffs? MonaVie and other "superfruit" juices market themselves as great sources of antioxidants and the best way to prevent aging. When these claims are examined scientifically, neither is true; and especially not when compared to the country doctor's favorite axiom of an apple a day. MonaVie and other "superfruit" juices market themselves as great sources of antioxidants and the best way to prevent aging. When these claims are examined scientifically, neither is true; and especially not when compared to the country doctor's favorite axiom of an apple a day. http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4086 Tue, 05 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT 12:14 monavie, superfruit, acai, goji Brian Dunning Was the collapse of 7 World Trade Center actually a controlled demolition? Conspiracy theorists allege that the collapse of 7 World Trade Center was a controlled demolition, executed by the US government. But their theory is inconsistent with all of the events in the seven hours preceding the collapse. Is it still possible? Conspiracy theorists allege that the collapse of 7 World Trade Center was a controlled demolition, executed by the US government. But their theory is inconsistent with all of the events in the seven hours preceding the collapse. Is it still possible? http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4085 Tue, 29 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT 10:17 world trade center, september 11, 9/11, wtc Brian Dunning All sorts of marvelous health claims are made for jewelry such as the Q-Ray bracelet. Ever seen someone wearing a Q-Ray bracelet? They are said to have all sorts of wonderful health effects, of a type not yet understood by western science. One thing is understood: The courts, the FTC, and the Mayo Clinic aren't buying a word of it. Ever seen someone wearing a Q-Ray bracelet? They are said to have all sorts of wonderful health effects, of a type not yet understood by western science. One thing is understood: The courts, the FTC, and the Mayo Clinic aren't buying a word of it. http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4084 Tue, 22 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT 11:10 q-ray, ionized bracelet, acupuncture, jewelry Brian Dunning Everyone wants to "detoxify" their bodies. Is this for real? The world is full of hucksters trying to sell us products to "detoxify" our bodies, but nobody ever really hints at what these supposed "toxins" might be. Whether it's adhesive vinegar foot pads, electric foot baths, or pills that rubberize our stools into giant snakes, there's always some brand of snake oil offering to do what our livers and kidneys already do for free. The world is full of hucksters trying to sell us products to "detoxify" our bodies, but nobody ever really hints at what these supposed "toxins" might be. Whether it's adhesive vinegar foot pads, electric foot baths, or pills that rubberize our stools into giant snakes, there's always some brand of snake oil offering to do what our livers and kidneys already do for free. http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4083 Tue, 15 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT 11:41 detoxification, colon, kinoki, toxins Brian Dunning Skeptoid: Critical Analysis of Pop Phenomena is now available in book form from Amazon.com Skeptoid: Critical Analysis of Pop Phenomena by Brian Dunning, with a foreword by James Randi, is now available as a book from Amazon.com. Autographed copies are also available through Skeptoid.com. Skeptoid: Critical Analysis of Pop Phenomena by Brian Dunning, with a foreword by James Randi, is now available as a book from Amazon.com. Autographed copies are also available through Skeptoid.com. http://skeptoid.com/episodes/3004 Sat, 12 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT 1:22 james randi, brian dunning, skeptoid, skeptoid book Brian Dunning Creationism is not one set of beliefs - it is a battleground of dramatically conflicting world views. The battle between science and creationism may be the one getting the most headlines in the news, but the real battle is among the various types of creationists. Their radically differing belief systems are irreconciliable and at varying odds with science. The battle between science and creationism may be the one getting the most headlines in the news, but the real battle is among the various types of creationists. Their radically differing belief systems are irreconciliable and at varying odds with science. http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4082 Tue, 08 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT 11:19 creation, young earth, creationism, darwin Brian Dunning Why the use of electronic equipment by TV ghost hunters is so stupid. In this episode we examine why the flagrant misuse and mischaracterization of electronic equipment by ghost hunters is so stupid. We look at IR gear, EMF meters, cameras, ion and particle detectors, dowsing rods and audio gear. In this episode we examine why the flagrant misuse and mischaracterization of electronic equipment by ghost hunters is so stupid. We look at IR gear, EMF meters, cameras, ion and particle detectors, dowsing rods and audio gear. http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4081 Tue, 01 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT 11:50 ghost hunting, ghost hunters, infrared, EMF Brian Dunning An examination of the various claims that microwaved food and water are poisonous. Anti-microwave activists claim that food or water than has been microwaved is toxic to plants and animals, despite the lack of any victims, any useful research indicating this, or any plausible explanation of how or why such a thing might be possible. Anti-microwave activists claim that food or water than has been microwaved is toxic to plants and animals, despite the lack of any victims, any useful research indicating this, or any plausible explanation of how or why such a thing might be possible. http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4080 Tue, 25 Dec 2007 00:00:00 GMT 11:01 microwaves, vegetarianism, hans hertel, radiation Brian Dunning What was actually recovered from the Roswell desert in New Mexico in 1947? If you've paid much attention to the Roswell Incident over the years, you may have concluded that it's so tangled that the truth will never be known. Fear not; the truth is quite simple, and Skeptoid unravels it for you here. If you've paid much attention to the Roswell Incident over the years, you may have concluded that it's so tangled that the truth will never be known. Fear not; the truth is quite simple, and Skeptoid unravels it for you here. http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4079 Tue, 18 Dec 2007 00:00:00 GMT 12:48 roswell, aliens, ufo, area 51 Brian Dunning Do doctors ever really stab people in the heart with a syringe? Does chocolate really cause acne? If you've grown up watching movies or having a mother dispensing folk remedies, you probably know and/or believe a whole array of false anecdotes about the way the human body works. In this episode we'll look at a number of the most popular with a skeptical eye. If you've grown up watching movies or having a mother dispensing folk remedies, you probably know and/or believe a whole array of false anecdotes about the way the human body works. In this episode we'll look at a number of the most popular with a skeptical eye. http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4078 Tue, 11 Dec 2007 00:00:00 GMT 9:19 medical, colonic, uma thurman, pulp fiction Brian Dunning A description of Sumatra's own little miniature Bigfoot legend. Orang Pendek, which could be described as a miniature Bigfoot by some, is said to inhabit the jungles of Sumatra. Let's weigh the actual evidence for this creature against the tidal wave of local legend and lore from Sumatra's uncounted remote tribes. Orang Pendek, which could be described as a miniature Bigfoot by some, is said to inhabit the jungles of Sumatra. Let's weigh the actual evidence for this creature against the tidal wave of local legend and lore from Sumatra's uncounted remote tribes. http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4077 Tue, 04 Dec 2007 00:00:00 GMT 10:53 orang pendek, bigfoot, cryptid, cryptozoology Brian Dunning Has religion or atheism been responsible for the greater death toll throughout human history? The age-old debate between which side is responsible for more deaths in history, religion or atheism, is not an argument that either side can ever win. Nor is it a useful tool to analyze the value of religion. Which side is right? Skeptoid's take might surprise you. The age-old debate between which side is responsible for more deaths in history, religion or atheism, is not an argument that either side can ever win. Nor is it a useful tool to analyze the value of religion. Which side is right? Skeptoid's take might surprise you. http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4076 Tue, 27 Nov 2007 00:00:00 GMT 9:00 religion, atheism, hitler, stalin Brian Dunning Is aura photography actually possible, and does it tell us anything useful about the person? Infrared photographs, Kirlian imagery, and the AuraCam 6000 all purport to be able to show a person's mystical aura. Unfortunately, these techniques all have much simpler and more mundane explanations. Infrared photographs, Kirlian imagery, and the AuraCam 6000 all purport to be able to show a person's mystical aura. Unfortunately, these techniques all have much simpler and more mundane explanations. http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4075 Tue, 20 Nov 2007 00:00:00 GMT 10:33 aura, kirlian, randi, auracam Brian Dunning The second part of our exploration of logical fallacies. When debating, don't allow yourself to be taken in by logical fallacies and argumentative devices that lack merit. Learn these and become handy with them, and you'll be able to easily poke through any bogus arguments thrown your way. When debating, don't allow yourself to be taken in by logical fallacies and argumentative devices that lack merit. Learn these and become handy with them, and you'll be able to easily poke through any bogus arguments thrown your way. http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4074 Tue, 13 Nov 2007 00:00:00 GMT 11:54 red herring, poisoning the well, loaded question, statistics Brian Dunning An examination of many of the most common logical fallacies. Why aren't supernatural and pseudoscientific phenomena supported by scientific evidence? They can't be, by definition - and so they are often supported by these logical fallacies instead. Why aren't supernatural and pseudoscientific phenomena supported by scientific evidence? They can't be, by definition - and so they are often supported by these logical fallacies instead. http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4073 Tue, 06 Nov 2007 00:00:00 GMT 13:14 logical fallacy, straw man, ad hoc, ad hominem Brian Dunning Are sufferers of electrosensitivity reacting to electromagnetism, or just to simple stress? The symptoms of electrosensitivity are identical to the symptoms of stress, and although sufferers attribute their condition to the presence of electromagnetic fields, research has shown quite conclusively that the stress is caused only by their perception of electromagnetic fields. The symptoms of electrosensitivity are identical to the symptoms of stress, and although sufferers attribute their condition to the presence of electromagnetic fields, research has shown quite conclusively that the stress is caused only by their perception of electromagnetic fields. http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4072 Tue, 30 Oct 2007 00:00:00 GMT 16:19 electrosensitivity, electromagnetic sensitivity, electromagnetic hypersensitivity, electromagnetism Brian Dunning Proponents of colostrum supplements believe that it has a whole range of benefits. People who sell powdered colostrum, the thick yellow milk produced by mothers around the time of childbirth, believe that it has tremendous health benefits such as immunities and muscle building. People who sell powdered colostrum, the thick yellow milk produced by mothers around the time of childbirth, believe that it has tremendous health benefits such as immunities and muscle building. http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4071 Tue, 23 Oct 2007 00:00:00 GMT 9:08 colostrum, breast milk, whey protein, protein supplement Brian Dunning An examination of the popular trend in women's health, bioidentical hormone therapy. Celebrity endorsers are all over bioidentical hormone therapy, claiming that these plant-based hormones are safer and more effective than the synthetic molecules to which they are chemically bioidentical. Yes, it is is logical absurdity, and no, it isn't true. Celebrity endorsers are all over bioidentical hormone therapy, claiming that these plant-based hormones are safer and more effective than the synthetic molecules to which they are chemically bioidentical. Yes, it is is logical absurdity, and no, it isn't true. http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4070 Tue, 16 Oct 2007 00:00:00 GMT 7:35 bioidentical, suzanne somers, hormone therapy, prempro Brian Dunning Conservative pundit Ann Coulter should stick to politics; her science is too screwed up for words. When Ann Coulter starts to talk about the origin of species, all she has in her bag of verbal ammunition is a collection of hoary devices such as ad hominem, special pleadings, observational selection, non-sequiturs, slippery slopes, and straw men. When Ann Coulter starts to talk about the origin of species, all she has in her bag of verbal ammunition is a collection of hoary devices such as ad hominem, special pleadings, observational selection, non-sequiturs, slippery slopes, and straw men. http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4069 Tue, 09 Oct 2007 00:00:00 GMT 7:36 ann coulter, godless: the church of liberalism, creationism, evolution Brian Dunning Another round of listener feedback from the past several months. More listener feedback covering the episodes on the Phoenix Lights, 9/11 conspiracy theories, vaccinations causing autism, chiropractic, and lots of other fun episodes. More listener feedback covering the episodes on the Phoenix Lights, 9/11 conspiracy theories, vaccinations causing autism, chiropractic, and lots of other fun episodes. http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4068 Tue, 02 Oct 2007 00:00:00 GMT 14:17 phoenix lights, 9/11 conspiracy, chiropractic, autism Brian Dunning An examination of phrenology, physiognomy, palmistry, and iridology. Despite two centuries of medical science teaching us much about the way human body actually works, some people still prefer to stick with the level of knowledge from ancient times, and still practice phrenology, physiognomy, palmistry, and iridology. Despite two centuries of medical science teaching us much about the way human body actually works, some people still prefer to stick with the level of knowledge from ancient times, and still practice phrenology, physiognomy, palmistry, and iridology. http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4067 Tue, 25 Sep 2007 00:00:00 GMT 11:39 phrenology, physiognomy, palmistry, iridology Brian Dunning How much of the pop-culture information about Nostradamus is true? Whole volumes of false history have been woven around Renaissance seer Nostradamus. Nearly everyone knows about his supposed prophecies and predictions, but fewer are aware of the detailed biographies - and it turns out they are all equally false. Whole volumes of false history have been woven around Renaissance seer Nostradamus. Nearly everyone knows about his supposed prophecies and predictions, but fewer are aware of the detailed biographies - and it turns out they are all equally false. http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4066 Tue, 18 Sep 2007 00:00:00 GMT 14:38 nostradamus, prophecy, revelation, michel de nostredame Brian Dunning Learn the basic arguments against science made by Young Earthers, and how to rebut them. Young Earthers only have a limited number of cogent arguments that they use to refute evolution, and they're easily rebutted if you're familiar with them. This episode gives you a good foundation of what to expect to hear, and how to reply to it. Young Earthers only have a limited number of cogent arguments that they use to refute evolution, and they're easily rebutted if you're familiar with them. This episode gives you a good foundation of what to expect to hear, and how to reply to it. http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4065 Tue, 11 Sep 2007 00:00:00 GMT 15:35 evolution, darwin, creation, creationism Brian Dunning Spring Heeled Jack terrorized England in the early 1800's ... or did he? Spring Heeled Jack was a mysterious attacker notorious throughout 19th century England. But is it possible that he was simply the same character as the Monkey Man that frightened New Delhi in 2001? That characater being a figment of mass imagination? Spring Heeled Jack was a mysterious attacker notorious throughout 19th century England. But is it possible that he was simply the same character as the Monkey Man that frightened New Delhi in 2001? That characater being a figment of mass imagination? http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4064 Tue, 04 Sep 2007 00:00:00 GMT 9:06 spring heeled jack, bogeyman, monkey man, london Brian Dunning How true is Wilson Key's magnum opus work about subliminal advertising? It's commonly accepted that the advertising industry systematically manipulates the public with subliminal advertising. The perception is based on a famous experiment ... that was a complete hoax. It's commonly accepted that the advertising industry systematically manipulates the public with subliminal advertising. The perception is based on a famous experiment ... that was a complete hoax. http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4063 Tue, 28 Aug 2007 00:00:00 GMT 9:11 subliminal seduction, subliminal advertising, subliminal, wilson bryan key Brian Dunning Crop circles are finally commonly known to be man made. Why do some people maintain that they're not? Ever since Doug Bower and Dave Chorley showed the world how easy it is for people to make even the most complex crop circle patterns, people have been making them by the thousand. And yet, a small but vocal group still maintains that all crop circles - even those made by hoaxers - have paranormal explanations that are physically measurable. Ever since Doug Bower and Dave Chorley showed the world how easy it is for people to make even the most complex crop circle patterns, people have been making them by the thousand. And yet, a small but vocal group still maintains that all crop circles - even those made by hoaxers - have paranormal explanations that are physically measurable. http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4062 Tue, 21 Aug 2007 00:00:00 GMT 12:49 crop circles, circlemakers, colin andrews, dowsing Brian Dunning How concerned should we be about the popular arguments against irradiated food? Europe sterilizes much of its food with irradiation, as a cheap and safe way to sterilize it. In the United States, people fear irradiation, in many cases believing sterilized food to be radioactive. Who has the safer philosophy? Europe sterilizes much of its food with irradiation, as a cheap and safe way to sterilize it. In the United States, people fear irradiation, in many cases believing sterilized food to be radioactive. Who has the safer philosophy? http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4061 Tue, 14 Aug 2007 00:00:00 GMT 8:32 irradiation, e. coli, sterilization, radiation Brian Dunning A recent fad states that plastic water bottles leech toxic chemicals. Is it true? The whole pop culture phenomenon that states plastic water bottles leech toxic chemicals into your water appears to have been started by a single grad student's poorly performed thesis. Pop media picked up the alarming headline, and we have history. The whole pop culture phenomenon that states plastic water bottles leech toxic chemicals into your water appears to have been started by a single grad student's poorly performed thesis. Pop media picked up the alarming headline, and we have history. http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4060 Thu, 09 Aug 2007 00:00:00 GMT 8:01 water bottles, plastic bottles, plastic water bottles, toxic Brian Dunning The Raelians are naked and they worship space aliens. Raelians are a new atheist sect who believe that a benevolent race of aliens created humanity. They also practice free love and nudism, along with supporting just about every type of scientific advancement and genetics research. Raelians are a new atheist sect who believe that a benevolent race of aliens created humanity. They also practice free love and nudism, along with supporting just about every type of scientific advancement and genetics research. http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4059 Sat, 04 Aug 2007 00:00:00 GMT 10:43 rael, raelians, yahweh, elohim Brian Dunning A few fringe activists claim that fluoridation of water carries more danger than benefit. How true are the popular claims that fluoridation of water causes cancer and other illnesses? How true is the medical research that indicates its total safety and overwhelming dental benefits? Skeptoid looks at one community in California that recently fought this battle. How true are the popular claims that fluoridation of water causes cancer and other illnesses? How true is the medical research that indicates its total safety and overwhelming dental benefits? Skeptoid looks at one community in California that recently fought this battle. http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4058 Mon, 30 Jul 2007 00:00:00 GMT 9:20 fluoridation, fluoride, conspiracy, naturopathy Brian Dunning A look at some of those persistent hoax emails that you receive almost every day. Email has made it very easy to spread information - but is that information always reliable? Most of the chain emails you receive are probably bogus. Email has made it very easy to spread information - but is that information always reliable? Most of the chain emails you receive are probably bogus. http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4057 Wed, 25 Jul 2007 00:00:00 GMT 12:28 email, hoax, chain letter Brian Dunning California is home to a wealth of places rich with mystery and intrigue. Whether you're interested in ghost stories, scientific curiosities, or just plan weird wild stuff, California should be high on your list of destinations. Whether you're interested in ghost stories, scientific curiosities, or just plan weird wild stuff, California should be high on your list of destinations. http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4056 Fri, 20 Jul 2007 00:00:00 GMT 11:56 california, queen mary, ghosts, death valley Brian Dunning An examination of the lethal pop-culture fad of chelating autistic children. Celebrity activists tell us that vaccinating your child can cause autism. What is this tragic misinformation based on? What are the real causes? What are the real benefits of vaccination? And, should chelation therapy be used on every child who has been vaccinated? Celebrity activists tell us that vaccinating your child can cause autism. What is this tragic misinformation based on? What are the real causes? What are the real benefits of vaccination? And, should chelation therapy be used on every child who has been vaccinated? http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4055 Sun, 15 Jul 2007 00:00:00 GMT 10:36 chelation, autism, mercury, vaccination Brian Dunning Was the Oakland freeway collapse corroborating evidence for the official version of the World Trade Center failure, or was it another government lie? The Oakland freeway collapse in April 2007 appears consistent with the official version of what brought down the Twin Towers on 9/11. But conspiracy theorists charge that the government staged the freeway collapse in order to bolster their official version of 9/11. Which is true? The Oakland freeway collapse in April 2007 appears consistent with the official version of what brought down the Twin Towers on 9/11. But conspiracy theorists charge that the government staged the freeway collapse in order to bolster their official version of 9/11. Which is true? http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4054 Tue, 10 Jul 2007 00:00:00 GMT 9:35 world trade center, 9/11, conspiracy, terrorism Brian Dunning Were the events at Borley Rectory a real haunting, or the product of a hoaxster? Borley Rectory is widely regarded as the most haunted house in England, and probably in the world. Or, was it all the creation of Harry Price, a professional magician, hoaxster, and author? Borley Rectory is widely regarded as the most haunted house in England, and probably in the world. Or, was it all the creation of Harry Price, a professional magician, hoaxster, and author? http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4053 Thu, 05 Jul 2007 00:00:00 GMT 12:05 borley rectory, haunted house, ghost, haunting Brian Dunning Do science magazines undermine themselves by publishing ads for pseudoscientific products? Popular magazines like Scientific American and Popular Science claim to be advancing science, but at the same time, they publish material from third party advertisers that shoots that mission down. Should they, or shouldn't they? Popular magazines like Scientific American and Popular Science claim to be advancing science, but at the same time, they publish material from third party advertisers that shoots that mission down. Should they, or shouldn't they? http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4052 Sat, 30 Jun 2007 00:00:00 GMT 7:19 popular science, scientific american, scientific journal, advertising Brian Dunning Is ethanol really nature's wonder fuel? Is corn really going to save us? Ethanol is a perfect example of politics distracting progress. Because of misplaced interest in ethanol, time, energy, and money is being spent in a useless direction instead of on true next generation power and fuel systems. Ethanol is a perfect example of politics distracting progress. Because of misplaced interest in ethanol, time, energy, and money is being spent in a useless direction instead of on true next generation power and fuel systems. http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4051 Mon, 25 Jun 2007 00:00:00 GMT 7:58 ethanol, biofuel, biodiesel, global warming Brian Dunning Everyone says their scientific journal is more reputable than your scientific journal. Who's right? When debating, your opponent will often throw research at you that was "published in a peer reviewed scientific journal". This episode gives you the tools to tell a reputable journal from a non-reputable one. When debating, your opponent will often throw research at you that was "published in a peer reviewed scientific journal". This episode gives you the tools to tell a reputable journal from a non-reputable one. http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4050 Fri, 15 Jun 2007 00:00:00 GMT 10:05 scientific journal, peer review, wikipedia, research Brian Dunning Some say that the collective emotions of humans can influence electronic hardware. Dean Radin says that collective consciousness has a direct measurable effect on the output of his random number generators. Others say that his methodology is fatally flawed, and that he only find specific results that he wants using whatever questionable method is needed to achieve each desired result. Dean Radin says that collective consciousness has a direct measurable effect on the output of his random number generators. Others say that his methodology is fatally flawed, and that he only find specific results that he wants using whatever questionable method is needed to achieve each desired result. http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4049 Sun, 10 Jun 2007 00:00:00 GMT 11:56 dean radin, global consciousness, art bell, coast to coast Brian Dunning Do messages hidden within the Bible really predict the future? During the tumultuous Middle East peace process of the mid 1990's, Michael Drosnin predicted that Yitzhak Rabin would be assassinated, and missed it by a year. Many other psychics predicted it much more closely. Why was Drosnin the one who went on Oprah? During the tumultuous Middle East peace process of the mid 1990's, Michael Drosnin predicted that Yitzhak Rabin would be assassinated, and missed it by a year. Many other psychics predicted it much more closely. Why was Drosnin the one who went on Oprah? http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4048 Tue, 05 Jun 2007 00:00:00 GMT 10:20 michael drosnin, the bible code, yitzhak rabin, torah Brian Dunning Skeptoid is now a qualifying media outlet for the One Million Dollar Paranormal Challenge. Before you can apply to win the James Randi Educational Foundation's One Million Dollar Paranormal Challenge, you must first qualify by having a media presence. Skeptoid is pleased to announce that it is now a qualifying media outlet. Before you can apply to win the James Randi Educational Foundation's One Million Dollar Paranormal Challenge, you must first qualify by having a media presence. Skeptoid is pleased to announce that it is now a qualifying media outlet. http://skeptoid.com/episodes/3002 Thu, 31 May 2007 00:00:00 GMT 5:48 randi, james randi, the amazing randi, sylvia browne Brian Dunning Do free range chickens and farm raised fish truly have the pros and cons that popular culture believes? Free range chickens are not raised on what anyone would think of as a free range, and fish from farms may have different pros and cons than we've been led to believe. Free range chickens are not raised on what anyone would think of as a free range, and fish from farms may have different pros and cons than we've been led to believe. http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4047 Sat, 26 May 2007 00:00:00 GMT 9:51 free range chickens, peta, aquaculture, organic Brian Dunning What started the conspiracy theory that reptilian beings control our governments? One popular conspiracy theory is that reptilian beings actually control our government and our companies. This story got its start in 1934, ironically from a news story that said nothing about reptilian beings. One popular conspiracy theory is that reptilian beings actually control our government and our companies. This story got its start in 1934, ironically from a news story that said nothing about reptilian beings. http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4046 Mon, 21 May 2007 00:00:00 GMT 9:52 reptoids, reptilians, david icke, gray aliens Brian Dunning There is perhaps no more importance task before us than teaching critical thinking to young people. Teaching skepticism and critical thinking to young people puts them on the path to learning and progress, while allowing them to invest their faith in the supernatural puts them on the path to developmental stagnation. Teaching skepticism and critical thinking to young people puts them on the path to learning and progress, while allowing them to invest their faith in the supernatural puts them on the path to developmental stagnation. http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4045 Wed, 16 May 2007 00:00:00 GMT 7:33 plato, socrates, pastafarianism, flying spaghetti monster Brian Dunning The psychic technique of remote viewing is consistent with simple, well known magic tricks. Are so-called remote viewers, like those hired by the US government in the 1970's for Project Starget, really just performing simple tricks that any competent magician can easily replicate? Are so-called remote viewers, like those hired by the US government in the 1970's for Project Starget, really just performing simple tricks that any competent magician can easily replicate? http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4044 Fri, 11 May 2007 00:00:00 GMT 11:05 james randi, joseph mcmoneagle, remote viewing, project stargate Brian Dunning Can the history of the American continent as presented in the Book of Mormon be true? The Book of Mormon makes numerous specific historical claims about the history of the American continents. Scientific consensus disputes this version of history. Which is correct? The Book of Mormon makes numerous specific historical claims about the history of the American continents. Scientific consensus disputes this version of history. Which is correct? http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4043 Sun, 06 May 2007 00:00:00 GMT 9:32 mormon, book of mormon, religion, creation Brian Dunning Defined in 1895, chiropractic treats imaginary conditions with dangerous manipulations. Developed by a non-scientist at a time in history when almost nothing useful or true was known about medicine, chiropractic is still unique among alternative medicine systems because some of its practitioners actually do accept much of what we've since learned about anatomy. Developed by a non-scientist at a time in history when almost nothing useful or true was known about medicine, chiropractic is still unique among alternative medicine systems because some of its practitioners actually do accept much of what we've since learned about anatomy. http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4042 Tue, 01 May 2007 00:00:00 GMT 10:20 chiropractor, chiropractic, palmer, orthopedics Brian Dunning Yet another rehash of the infamous Phoenix Lights episode. Why do these stories persist after a whole decade, when the event has been thoroughly explained. Many people put more faith in unsubstantiated verbal reports than they do in hard evidence. Why do these stories persist after a whole decade, when the event has been thoroughly explained. Many people put more faith in unsubstantiated verbal reports than they do in hard evidence. http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4041 Thu, 26 Apr 2007 00:00:00 GMT 11:25 phoenix lights, lights over phoenix, ufo, dilletoso Brian Dunning Does the legendary Almas represent a population of relic Neanderthals? Some researchers of the Almas and Yeti in modern Asia conclude that they are relic populations of surviving Neanderthals and Gigantopithecus. Are these explanations possible, and do they match the evidence? Some researchers of the Almas and Yeti in modern Asia conclude that they are relic populations of surviving Neanderthals and Gigantopithecus. Are these explanations possible, and do they match the evidence? http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4040 Sat, 21 Apr 2007 00:00:00 GMT 8:30 almas, yeti, bigfoot, abominable snowman Brian Dunning Do we really understand how much power we have to address global warming? Everyone agrees the Earth is warming. Everyone agrees we should do what we can to address the problem. We can spend all the money in the world, but nobody knows how much this will help, if at all. Everyone agrees the Earth is warming. Everyone agrees we should do what we can to address the problem. We can spend all the money in the world, but nobody knows how much this will help, if at all. http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4039 Mon, 16 Apr 2007 00:00:00 GMT 11:21 global warming, al gore, an inconvenient truth, sheryl crow Brian Dunning What is the cause of the mysterious ghost lights outside Marfa, Texas? Some say they are ball lightning, others that they're the lantern swung by a ghostly headless brakeman. The truth, it turns out, is even stranger than the fiction. Some say they are ball lightning, others that they're the lantern swung by a ghostly headless brakeman. The truth, it turns out, is even stranger than the fiction. http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4038 Wed, 11 Apr 2007 00:00:00 GMT 8:25 marfa lights, ghost lights, ball lightning, marfa Brian Dunning This 15-point checklist will help you tell science from pseudoscience. Inspired by Carl Sagan's original Baloney Detection Kit, this 15-point checklist will help you tell science from pseudoscience. Inspired by Carl Sagan's original Baloney Detection Kit, this 15-point checklist will help you tell science from pseudoscience. http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4037 Fri, 06 Apr 2007 00:00:00 GMT 11:45 baloney detection, pseudoscience, science, medicine Brian Dunning Do mercury amalgam fillings release toxic levels of mercury into the body? Merucry amalgam fillings have always been acknowledge to release mercury into the body, but at an insignificant level, about the same rate as a wristwatch or wedding ring. Some fringe dentists claim that it's much higher, even lethal. Merucry amalgam fillings have always been acknowledge to release mercury into the body, but at an insignificant level, about the same rate as a wristwatch or wedding ring. Some fringe dentists claim that it's much higher, even lethal. http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4036 Sun, 01 Apr 2007 00:00:00 GMT 10:34 mercury, amalgam, chronic fatigue, fillings Brian Dunning Some creationists claim that evolution is invalid because it is frequently improved and enlarged as research and knowledge are improved. One claim against evolution made by some creationists is that it constantly needs to be updated to fit the facts, and is therefore too full of holes to be useful. Scientists, on the other hand, say that the ability to incorporate new knowledge is a central strength of the scientific method. One claim against evolution made by some creationists is that it constantly needs to be updated to fit the facts, and is therefore too full of holes to be useful. Scientists, on the other hand, say that the ability to incorporate new knowledge is a central strength of the scientific method. http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4035 Tue, 27 Mar 2007 00:00:00 GMT 8:27 evolution, creation, creationism, darwin Brian Dunning Most homeopathy users believe that it's some kind of herbal remedy. Is it? Many users of homeopathy have a misconception that it's some kind of herbal remedy, or that it treats illness similar to a vaccine. They couldn't be more wrong - according to its founder. Many users of homeopathy have a misconception that it's some kind of herbal remedy, or that it treats illness similar to a vaccine. They couldn't be more wrong - according to its founder. http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4034 Thu, 22 Mar 2007 00:00:00 GMT 12:28 homeopathy, homeopath, Hahnemann, Samuel Hahnemann Brian Dunning The best of listener feedback from the first 32 Skeptoid episodes. The best of listener feedback from the first 32 Skeptoid episodes. The best of listener feedback from the first 32 Skeptoid episodes. http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4033 Sat, 17 Mar 2007 00:00:00 GMT 15:28 skeptoid, feedback, comments, skepticism Brian Dunning Is the war in the Middle East really being waged for oil? "Blood for Oil" is the favorite de facto reason for the Gulf War among anti-US Halliburton conspiracy theorists. Is the war really improving our access to oil? "Blood for Oil" is the favorite de facto reason for the Gulf War among anti-US Halliburton conspiracy theorists. Is the war really improving our access to oil? http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4032 Mon, 12 Mar 2007 00:00:00 GMT 8:23 halliburton, bush, iraq, energy Brian Dunning Was the devil responsible for a set of 100-mile footprints in 1855? When a mysterious 100-mile track of footprints appeared overnight in England in 1855, was the devil really the most probable explanation? When a mysterious 100-mile track of footprints appeared overnight in England in 1855, was the devil really the most probable explanation? http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4031 Wed, 07 Mar 2007 00:00:00 GMT 6:51 devil, devon, england, footprints Brian Dunning Raw food is well and good, but is cooked food as terrible as raw foodists make it out to be? Raw food is a healthy and delicious alternative than anyone can and should enjoy. But for some reason, some raw foodists feel that this is not enough - that they must also support and defend it by spreading silly lies about the dangers of cooked food. Raw food is a healthy and delicious alternative than anyone can and should enjoy. But for some reason, some raw foodists feel that this is not enough - that they must also support and defend it by spreading silly lies about the dangers of cooked food. http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4030 Thu, 01 Mar 2007 00:00:00 GMT 11:50 raw food, organic food, cooked food, vegatarian Brian Dunning Are orbs really ghosts, or a common artifact of photography? Orbs are said to be ghosts or spiritual energy moving through photographs, but not visible to the naked eye. Some say that orbs are just an ordinary byproduct of photography that anyone can recreate. Orbs are said to be ghosts or spiritual energy moving through photographs, but not visible to the naked eye. Some say that orbs are just an ordinary byproduct of photography that anyone can recreate. http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4029 Sat, 24 Feb 2007 00:00:00 GMT 8:08 orbs, spirit orbs, ghosts, energy Brian Dunning The Skeptalk Email Discussion List is now active at Skeptoid.com. Subscribe to the Skeptalk Email Discussion List for live, real-time email conversation about any and every skeptical issue you want to throw out there. Subscribe to the Skeptalk Email Discussion List for live, real-time email conversation about any and every skeptical issue you want to throw out there. http://skeptoid.com/episodes/3001 Tue, 20 Feb 2007 00:00:00 GMT 1:45 email discussion list, skeptalk, skeptoid, mailing list Brian Dunning Can Natural Hygiene really lead to a longer life? Natural hygiene is the practice of avoiding medical care, in the belief that it's harmful to the body. Isn't this contrary to what 100 years of medical science have taught us? Natural hygiene is the practice of avoiding medical care, in the belief that it's harmful to the body. Isn't this contrary to what 100 years of medical science have taught us? http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4028 Mon, 19 Feb 2007 00:00:00 GMT 5:40 natural hygiene, healthcare, life extension, life expectancy Brian Dunning What you always thought were simply contrails are really dangerous chemicals being sprayed. One group of conspiracy theorists believes that there is no such thing as an aircraft contrail, and that whenever you see one, the explanation must lie elsewhere: Mysterious chemicals being sprayed by our government, in a worldwide covert operation. One group of conspiracy theorists believes that there is no such thing as an aircraft contrail, and that whenever you see one, the explanation must lie elsewhere: Mysterious chemicals being sprayed by our government, in a worldwide covert operation. http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4027 Thu, 15 Feb 2007 00:00:00 GMT 9:06 chemtrail, chemical trail, conspiracy, conspiracy theories Brian Dunning Is biodynamic agriculture a modern innovation, or a throwback to the Dark Ages? The Dark Ages are alive and well in the bizarre magical world of biodynamic agriculture. Before you buy that biodynamic wine, be sure that withcraft and sorcery are really what you want to put on your dinner table. The Dark Ages are alive and well in the bizarre magical world of biodynamic agriculture. Before you buy that biodynamic wine, be sure that withcraft and sorcery are really what you want to put on your dinner table. http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4026 Sat, 10 Feb 2007 00:00:00 GMT 9:08 wine, biodynamics, biodynamic wine, agriculture Brian Dunning Does calling someone a "scientist" mean that he knows anything at all? We tend to accept things as truth simply because we hear that a "scientist" supports it. Is that really a meaningful title, by itself? Is this really a reason we should believe something? We tend to accept things as truth simply because we hear that a "scientist" supports it. Is that really a meaningful title, by itself? Is this really a reason we should believe something? http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4025 Mon, 05 Feb 2007 00:00:00 GMT 6:51 science, scientist Brian Dunning Reflexology is really no more than a foot massage - so why might it be dangerous? Here's why. Before you stop to think that reflexology is no more than a great foot massage with some harmless drivel attached to it, be aware of how it can lead to injury or death for some of its believers. Before you stop to think that reflexology is no more than a great foot massage with some harmless drivel attached to it, be aware of how it can lead to injury or death for some of its believers. http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4024 Sun, 28 Jan 2007 00:00:00 GMT 10:22 reflexology, wellness, massage Brian Dunning What is paganism, and how is different from regular religions? Pagan religions are intended to represent a departure from traditional religions, often practiced by those who consider themselves freer thinkers. But it is fundamentally really any different? Pagan religions are intended to represent a departure from traditional religions, often practiced by those who consider themselves freer thinkers. But it is fundamentally really any different? http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4023 Tue, 23 Jan 2007 00:00:00 GMT 6:44 pagan, neopagan, religion, paganism Brian Dunning What thought process led you to your conclusion about the cause of Flight 93's crash? Regarding Flight 93's crash, most people either side with the government or with the conspiracy theorists. Which do you support? And more importantly, what thought process led you to that conclusion? Regarding Flight 93's crash, most people either side with the government or with the conspiracy theorists. Which do you support? And more importantly, what thought process led you to that conclusion? http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4022 Fri, 19 Jan 2007 00:00:00 GMT 8:13 flight 93, 9/11, September 11, terrorism Brian Dunning An examination of the mysterious stones that move by themselves across the desert floor. Nobody has ever seen the rocks move at Death Valley's Racetrack Playa, but it does happen. Some theories are crackpot, some are more plausible; we saw the actual cause at work. Nobody has ever seen the rocks move at Death Valley's Racetrack Playa, but it does happen. Some theories are crackpot, some are more plausible; we saw the actual cause at work. http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4021 Mon, 15 Jan 2007 00:00:00 GMT 3:46 death valley, the racetrack, racetrack playa, moving rocks Brian Dunning America's most popular true ghost story was a hoax. The Amityville Horror is considered one of the scariest of all ghost stories, in part because it is true. Or is it? There is a lot of noise on both sides of the debate. The Amityville Horror is considered one of the scariest of all ghost stories, in part because it is true. Or is it? There is a lot of noise on both sides of the debate. http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4020 Thu, 11 Jan 2007 00:00:00 GMT 7:38 amityville, amityville horror, ghost, ghost story Brian Dunning Is it a revolution in health and the environment, or a counterproductive fad? Organic food is claimed to be more healthy, better for the environment, and a better political choice. Can all three be true? How about none of them. Organic food is claimed to be more healthy, better for the environment, and a better political choice. Can all three be true? How about none of them. http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4019 Fri, 05 Jan 2007 00:00:00 GMT 10:18 organic, organic food, starvation, farming Brian Dunning An amended Bill of Rights to better reflect modern American values. While innovative for its time, the Bill of Rights is no longer relevant. The proposed "Amended Bill of Rights" more accurately represents what the American public truly wants. While innovative for its time, the Bill of Rights is no longer relevant. The proposed "Amended Bill of Rights" more accurately represents what the American public truly wants. http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4018 Mon, 01 Jan 2007 00:00:00 GMT 4:37 bill of rights, constitution, freedom of speech, freedom to bear arms Brian Dunning Are Internet viruses and trojan horses really as dangerous as we've been led to believe? Viruses and trojan horses are one of the leading threats to the security of the data on your computer - say the people who sell security software. This episodes discusses the facts of what these things really are, and what you really need to worry about. Viruses and trojan horses are one of the leading threats to the security of the data on your computer - say the people who sell security software. This episodes discusses the facts of what these things really are, and what you really need to worry about. http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4017 Thu, 28 Dec 2006 00:00:00 GMT 8:25 cookies, viruses, trojan horse, virus Brian Dunning Did a US Navy warship completely disappear in 1943? The pop-culture story says that the US Navy made a ship disappear in a 1943 experiment that left many sailors dead, insane, or in a state of dimensional flux. The story has been thoroughly debunked. Which is true? The pop-culture story says that the US Navy made a ship disappear in a 1943 experiment that left many sailors dead, insane, or in a state of dimensional flux. The story has been thoroughly debunked. Which is true? http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4016 Sun, 24 Dec 2006 00:00:00 GMT 6:50 philadelphia experiment, carlos allende, conspiracies, conspiracy Brian Dunning Are SUVs truly as evil as we're supposed to think? Although a few of the worst SUVs might be as bad as the media has hyped them up to be, the majority are little different than the traditional sedans whose mechanical components they share. Although a few of the worst SUVs might be as bad as the media has hyped them up to be, the majority are little different than the traditional sedans whose mechanical components they share. http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4015 Wed, 20 Dec 2006 00:00:00 GMT 8:00 suv, hummer, efficiency, global warming Brian Dunning Cell phones are perfectly safe on airplanes. So why can't we use them? What's with the ridiculous law that prevents us from using our cell phones on board commercial planes? The real reason has nothing to do with safety or security. What's with the ridiculous law that prevents us from using our cell phones on board commercial planes? The real reason has nothing to do with safety or security. http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4014 Fri, 15 Dec 2006 00:00:00 GMT 6:35 mythbusters, cell phones, fcc, faa Brian Dunning Understand the basics of scientific testing. Listen to this episode to learn and understand the fundamentals of scientific testing, so you can better gauge the validity of information that you read. Listen to this episode to learn and understand the fundamentals of scientific testing, so you can better gauge the validity of information that you read. http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4013 Mon, 11 Dec 2006 00:00:00 GMT 7:15 testing, clinical trial, scientific method, peer review Brian Dunning Is proving the Bible really doing the work of God? Proponents of various religious dogma are crippling their own religion by attempting to do scientific research to prove their religious claims, thus directly attacking their religion's central pillar: faith. Proponents of various religious dogma are crippling their own religion by attempting to do scientific research to prove their religious claims, thus directly attacking their religion's central pillar: faith. http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4012 Thu, 07 Dec 2006 00:00:00 GMT 5:31 bible, faith, abraham, religion Brian Dunning Is anyone doing any justice to the Bigfoot claim? Both believers in Bigfoot and the skeptics are doing themselves nearly as much harm as good with bad arguments and bad science. Let's see where we can improve the issue. Both believers in Bigfoot and the skeptics are doing themselves nearly as much harm as good with bad arguments and bad science. Let's see where we can improve the issue. http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4011 Sun, 03 Dec 2006 00:00:00 GMT 7:47 bigfoot, patterson, jeff meldrum, roger patterson Brian Dunning Evolution 101 for Young Earth Creationists who want to know better. Many Young Earthers have a misunderstanding of what evolution is supposed to be. This Evolution 101 Primer is intended to clear the air and provide a corrected platform for discussion. Many Young Earthers have a misunderstanding of what evolution is supposed to be. This Evolution 101 Primer is intended to clear the air and provide a corrected platform for discussion. http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4010 Thu, 30 Nov 2006 00:00:00 GMT 8:11 evolution, creation, creationism, religion Brian Dunning What's the point? Is sin a concept that has any relevance in modern society, or is it simply a set of arbitrary restrictions that are irrelevant in a healthy value system? Is sin a concept that has any relevance in modern society, or is it simply a set of arbitrary restrictions that are irrelevant in a healthy value system? http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4009 Sun, 26 Nov 2006 00:00:00 GMT 7:30 sin, religion, god, bible Brian Dunning Alien abductions and Old Hags - things that go bump in the night. If alien abductions are real, then why do they only happen in certain cultures? By the same token, why do certain types of nocturnal assaults common in other cultures never happen in the United States? If alien abductions are real, then why do they only happen in certain cultures? By the same token, why do certain types of nocturnal assaults common in other cultures never happen in the United States? http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4008 Tue, 21 Nov 2006 00:00:00 GMT 6:22 nocturnal assault, sleep paralysis, alien abduction, old hag Brian Dunning Do magnets really have a mystical positive effect on pond water chemistry? Common pond wisdom states that magnets can clear your water of algae, and remove lime scale buildup. Skeptoid examines the science behind these impressive claims. Common pond wisdom states that magnets can clear your water of algae, and remove lime scale buildup. Skeptoid examines the science behind these impressive claims. http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4007 Tue, 14 Nov 2006 00:00:00 GMT 6:13 pond, magnet, water, algae Brian Dunning Is the magical mystery juice all it's blended up to be? Wheatgrass juice proponents claim an unbelievable array of vague medical benefits to be derived from their product. But are any of these claims actually testable, or even plausible? Wheatgrass juice proponents claim an unbelievable array of vague medical benefits to be derived from their product. But are any of these claims actually testable, or even plausible? http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4006 Thu, 09 Nov 2006 00:00:00 GMT 6:49 wheatgrass juice, wheatgrass Brian Dunning Focus on the year's undisputed overused buzzword: "Sustainable" It seems that practically every product and service is being sold as "sustainable" these days. Does it really mean anything, or is it just the latest overused buzzword? It seems that practically every product and service is being sold as "sustainable" these days. Does it really mean anything, or is it just the latest overused buzzword? http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4005 Wed, 01 Nov 2006 00:00:00 GMT 6:08 sustainable, sustainability, buzzword, science, sketicism Brian Dunning Is it OK for non-believers to sell the paranormal? The default skeptical position about selling paranormal products and services is that it's always wrong. Skeptoid does not necessarily agree. The default skeptical position about selling paranormal products and services is that it's always wrong. Skeptoid does not necessarily agree. http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4003 Tue, 24 Oct 2006 00:00:00 GMT 6:45 ethics, science, skepticism, morals, paranormal Brian Dunning Do these invisible flying creatures really exist? Believers say that rods are a species of flying creature that's invisible to the eye, but visible to cameras. Does a simple and well known photographic phenomenon account for them? Believers say that rods are a species of flying creature that's invisible to the eye, but visible to cameras. Does a simple and well known photographic phenomenon account for them? http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4004 Thu, 19 Oct 2006 00:00:00 GMT 5:10 rods, photography, science, skepticism, mysticism Brian Dunning Is religion necessary to a good moral center? Christians have long held that a religious upbringing is crucial to the formation of a good moral center. Skeptoid disagrees, and argues that it's possible for even an atheist to not be an evil, godless ax murderer. Christians have long held that a religious upbringing is crucial to the formation of a good moral center. Skeptoid disagrees, and argues that it's possible for even an atheist to not be an evil, godless ax murderer. http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4001 Wed, 11 Oct 2006 00:00:00 GMT 4:31 religion, morals, ethics, science, skepticism Brian Dunning An examination of energy, as new agers use the term. Spiritualists and new agers delight to speak of energy as if it's a thing unto itself that floats around, easily manipulated and drawn from. Skeptoid attempts to clear up this meaningless silliness with a little science. Spiritualists and new agers delight to speak of energy as if it's a thing unto itself that floats around, easily manipulated and drawn from. Skeptoid attempts to clear up this meaningless silliness with a little science. http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4002 Tue, 03 Oct 2006 00:00:00 GMT 6:07 energy, chi, acupuncture, science, skepticism