Since 2006, the weekly Skeptoid podcast has been taking on all the most popular urban legends and revealing the true science, true history, and true lessons we can learn from each. Skeptoid is a listener supported501(c)(3) nonprofit. Learn more
Amateur Internet researchers figured out in 5 days what the Chilean government UFO group couldn't in two years.
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Recent Programs
Falling Fish Followup Episode 837, June 21, 2022 Some feedback and followups to a raft of previous Skeptoid episodes.
Can You Tell if I'm Lying? Episode 836, June 14, 2022 Can watching body language really tell you when someone is lying?
False Flag Attack? The USS Liberty Episode 835, June 7, 2022 Officially, Israel's 1967 attack on the USS Liberty was accidental friendly fire; but many claim it was a deliberate conspiracy.
The Haunting of the Stanley Hotel Episode 834, May 31, 2022 Colorado's Stanley Hotel is famous not only for its association with The Shining, but also for ghosts of its own.
The Secrets of the Integratron Episode 833, May 24, 2022 This white dome in the California desert may house the secrets of the universe, or nothing more than delusions.
What Greek Fire Really Was Episode 832, May 17, 2022 This ancient weapon of terror struck fear throughout the ancient world, and stokes a number of mysteries today.
Facilitated Communication Isn't Episode 831, May 10, 2022 This discredited technique deceives loved ones into believing non-communicative people are able to communicate just fine by hiring one of these facilitators.
The Mystical Death of Jack Parsons Episode 830, May 3, 2022 The complicated life of JPL's co-founder meant that his death was almost certain to be cloaked in conspiracy theories.
What ASMR Will Do for You Episode 829, April 26, 2022 What is the state of the science behind this online video genre that combines relaxation with chills and shivers?
Why You Don't Want a Flat-Faced Pet Episode 828, April 19, 2022 The science shows that dogs and cats bred to be flat-faced suffer from respiratory distress, but some argue otherwise.
What Really Happened on Easter Island Episode 827, April 12, 2022 The popular known history of Easter Island — that deforestation brought about its demise — is not generally accepted.
Why the Fresno Nightcrawler Is So Popular Episode 826, April 5, 2022 This relatively new and not-so-famous cryptid manages to have an outsized pop-culture footprint.
How Psychic Readings Work Episode 825, March 29, 2022 Whether cold reading, warm reading, or hot, there are simple explanations for even the most impressive psychic performances.
Demystifying the Winchester Mystery House Episode 824, March 22, 2022 The unfortunate false narrative of the Winchester Mystery House obscures a wonderful story of one of California's great women pioneers.
Hunting the Elusive Rogue Wave Episode 823, March 15, 2022 Modern authors say that scientists didn't used to accept the idea of rogue waves. Is that true?
On Washboarded Roads Episode 822, March 8, 2022 The real cause of washboarding on dirt roads is very different from the traditionally believed reason.
Forensic (Pseudo) Science Episode 821, March 1, 2022 All those fancy-sounding forensic sciences you've come to trust might not be worth very much of your trust after all.
On Railroad Tracks and Roman Chariots Episode 818, February 8, 2022 The urban legend that train track gauge descends from Roman war chariots falls apart at every link in the chain.
Your Ghostliest Tales, Explained Episode 817, February 1, 2022 In which we hear, analyze, and attempt to explain the ghostly personal stories you've sent in.
The Dark Side of Polyvagal Theory Episode 816, January 25, 2022 A controversial mental health framework is also being peddled by unqualified coaches.
On the Trail of the Chupacabra Episode 815, January 18, 2022 An exploration into the chupacabra, and how that word came to be applied to so many unrelated things.
Nazis and the Occult Episode 814, January 11, 2022 Popular tales of the occult underpinnings of the Nazis are largely modern fiction.