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Skeptoid
Death Valley
Urban Legends
Lead Poisoning
Skeptoid Adventures
Critical Thinking
Conspiracy Theories
Nutrition
Bermuda Triangle
Skeptoid Media
Skepticism
Artificial Intelligence
Pseudoscience
Sleep Myths
Weight Loss
Health Myths
Martin Luther King Jr.
Recycling
Misinformation
Ufos

The true science behind our most popular urban legends. Historical mysteries, paranormal claims, popular science myths, aliens and UFO reports, conspiracy theories, and worthless alternative medicine schemes... Skeptoid has you covered. From the sublime to the startling, no topic is sacred. Weekly since 2006.

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes1082Founded20 years ago
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Social SciencesScience

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Latest Episodes

Is this new technique to move your consciousness into another world anything more than just vivid imagination? Maybe.

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Seed oils seem to be the newest food villain. Are they something you truly need to avoid?

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Popular tales claim that pirates used the island of Cozumel as a base of operations. History tells us pretty much the exact opposite.

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YouTube

As a thoughtful primer for our Skeptoid Adventure through the Maya World of the Yucatán coast this December, we're dropping an episode from our good friends at the Tales From Aztlantis podcast that's all about the so-called "Mayan Calender" that was ... more

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Recent Guests

John Hoopes
Professor with broad training in archaeology of pre-Hispanic indigenous cultures; expert on Maya and Olmec history
University of Kansas
Episode: Feed Drop! Tales From Aztlantis and "Remembering the Maya Apocalypse"
Adrienne Hill
Premium member and guest on Skeptoid
Skookum Studios (Calgary, Canada)
Episode: Skeptoid #1034: The Colorado Martian
Dr. Flint Dibble
Mediterranean archaeologist
Episode: Sailing the Skeptical Seas! New Orleans Escapade! Mysteries of the Maya Cruise!
Susan Gerbick
Listener and skeptic affiliated with the Grill of Skepticism on Wikipedia Project
Grill of Skepticism (Wikipedia Project)
Episode: Gentle Reminder: Daylight Saving Time Starts Tomorrow
Ian Bryce
Engineer and physicist invited as a skeptical investigator
Australian skeptics
Episode: Skeptoid #1030: Testing the Rossi E-Cat
Flint Dibble
Archaeologist specializing in the archaeology of the Mediterranean world
Episode: Dr. Flint Dibble Interview: Our Resident Expert for Málaga to Nice!
Ben Radford
Contributor to Skeptical Inquirer and Squaring the Strange
Skeptical Inquirer
Episode: Skeptoid Adventures: Bermuda Triangle 2025
Blake Smith
Host of Monster Talk
Monster Talk
Episode: Skeptoid Adventures: Bermuda Triangle 2025
Hal Bidlack
Friend of James Randi and a mentor in skepticism
Episode: Skeptoid #968: Waldorf Schools

Hosts

Brian Dunning
Host of Skeptoid; leads science-based explorations and debunking across a wide range of subjects.
Ashley Hamer Pritchard
Host of Skeptoid; contributes to show with critical analysis and guest segments.

Reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars from 4.8k ratings
  • False science debunked

    Rational analysis of false science, legends, fake news etc… very useful in current days!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Another French fan!!
    Francea month ago
  • Definitely worth listening to.

    I been listening to this fantastic podcast for more years than I can remember and I’m not using hyperbole when I say that it’s not one that I’m ever going to stop listening to

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    TheR1CK5TER
    United Kingdom2 months ago
  • offers survey, entry level information; and employs logical fallacies. still entertaining

    I've recently discovered this podcast and I really do appreciate the breadth of topics covered, this is a good podcast to introduce you to a lots of different ideas. assuming that is what this podcast is sent out to do then it fulfills its mission. It is a good survey with minimal research. For the most part, the analysis brings about intelligent approaches to think through these questions however the narrator himself liberally makes assumptions about situations and human behavior to draw conclu... more

    Apple Podcasts
    2
    NathancW7
    United States5 months ago
  • Immigration facts

    I’m a long-time fan of the show, but I became a Skeptoid fanboy when I heard the episode on immigration. As the child of immigrants, I am glad that Brian has the courage to speak to the benefits that immigrants bring to the US. Thank you Brian!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Pocho_del_ocho
    United States6 months ago
  • Thumbs up!

    Schrödinger’s Cat and The Bomb Detector completely blew my mind! It’s a great science based skeptical podcast!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    JPSEA
    United States9 months ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Audience appreciates accessible science communication with data-backed insights.
Many value the show's commitment to debunking and critical thinking.
Some criticisms note increased advertising, but overall quality and reliability are highlighted.
Listeners praise rigorous research and clear explanations over sensationalism.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Gentle Reminder: Daylight Saving Time Starts Tomorrow
Q: What is the core historical origin of daylight saving time?
Originally tied to energy and leisure-time considerations, with early proposals by thinkers like Willett and Hudson aimed at creating more daylight after work, the concept evolved as different regions tested whether shifting clocks saved energy or improved daily life; the modern understanding acknowledges that energy savings are variable and context-dependent.
Skeptoid #966: Student Questions
Q: What are the truths behind brain fingerprinting?
While brain fingerprinting can show neurological responses to stimuli, its application in courts lacks robust support.
Skeptoid #966: Student Questions
Q: Does blood appear different colors based on oxygen levels?
While blood does change from bright red to darker red depending on oxygen levels, it never turns blue.
Skeptoid #966: Student Questions
Q: Is there a link between red dye in food and ADHD?
The connection is very tenuous, and studies have shown inconclusive results.
Skeptoid #966: Student Questions
Q: Can you explain the phenomenon of exploding teeth?
Exploding teeth are often a result of historical misunderstandings, with limited credible evidence to support such events occurring.

Audience Metrics

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Frequently Asked Questions About Skeptoid

What is Skeptoid about and what kind of topics does it cover?

A science-first show focused on public myths, health claims, and conspiracy theories, with a rigorous, evidence-based debunking approach. Episodes consistently dissect controversial topics—ranging from moon myths and food dyes to germ theory and paranormal claims—while highlighting data, historical context, and the importance of critical thinking. Notable is the steady use of accessible explanations, transparent sourcing, and occasional premium-content plugs, which together help educate listeners without sacrificing engaging storytelling. The program often features sponsor reads and guest contributions, underscoring a willingness to explore a broad spectrum of scientific skepticism for curious, educated audiences who value rational discours... more

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How many listeners does Skeptoid get?

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How many subscribers and views does Skeptoid have?

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Which podcasts are similar to Skeptoid?

These podcasts share a similar audience with Skeptoid:

1. Skeptics with a K
2. MonsterTalk
3. Political Reality
4. Talk Nerdy with Cara Santa Maria
5. TheThinkingAtheist

How many episodes of Skeptoid are there?

Skeptoid launched 20 years ago and published 1082 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

How do I contact Skeptoid?

Our systems regularly scour the web to find email addresses and social media links for this podcast. We scanned the web and collated all of the contact information that we could find in our podcast database. But in the unlikely event that you can't find what you're looking for, our concierge service lets you request our research team to source better contacts for you.

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What guests have appeared on Skeptoid?

Recent guests on Skeptoid include:

1. John Hoopes
2. Adrienne Hill
3. Dr. Flint Dibble
4. Susan Gerbick
5. Ian Bryce
6. Flint Dibble
7. Ben Radford
8. Blake Smith

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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