Skeptoid
Brian DunningThe 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.
| Publishes | Weekly | Episodes | 1098 | Founded | 20 years ago |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of Listeners | Categories | Social SciencesScience | |||
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Latest Episodes
These tests that promise to easily detect cancer with a blood test are fraught with profound accuracy errors.
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Las Vegas mob lore clings thick to human remains found as Lake Mead's water level recedes. But is it truly mob secrets that are being revealed or perhaps something a bit more nuanced?
The NamUs.gov profile for the Hemenway Harbor Doe is here.
Learn... more
Did this mysterious carved beast — the most common object on the Pictish standing stones — ever actually live?
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In honor of Skeptoid's 20th birthday, today we're playing episode #1 from October 2006. Enjoy!
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Reviews
Love this podcast - it makes me think more deeply about things. Being skeptical helps me see fact from fiction and realise that a lot of sensationalist stories in the media really do need a dose of skeptical thinking!
Podcast Addict58 days agoRicardo- Fraudster
I’m a sceptic and that means I’m also capable of applying sceptical thinking to the self-serving excuses a convicted fraudster comes up with to try to defend himself from those who, rightly, criticise him. I’m equally alert to whether podcasts are just a thinly-veiled attempt to rinse money out of credulous listeners. As someone whose specialist field is T.S. Eliot, I’m able to recognise when an episode which refers to his work in passing is error-strewn and to recognise that all the other epi... more
Apple Podcasts2Radionoush
United Kingdoma month ago - Really good Show, but …
The „You also might like“ episodes, especially the newest one, are so much trash based not on the normal high quality and accuracy, they devalue Brian’s work.
Apple Podcasts2KannSelbstTippen
Germany2 months ago - Let Yourself Get Scammed
That’s the title of this week’s episode.
I truly cannot fathom the hubris required to research, write, and record this topic and to put SCAM in the title and say nothing of your fraud conviction.
To be clear, Mr. Dunning doesn’t argue that scamming is good.
And there is nothing stated in the “free” version of the episode that I would disagree with.
But, if you are going to argue that some level of scamming is just the cost of doing business in a free society, you had damn well mention yo... more
Apple Podcasts1RDBJ97
United States2 months ago Don't waste out time with these stupid ideas
Podcast Addict23 months agoUser1234
Listeners Say
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Chart Rankings
How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.
Apple Podcasts | #16 | United States/Science/Social Sciences |
Apple Podcasts | #144 | United States/Science |
Apple Podcasts | #18 |  Canada/Science/Social Sciences |
Apple Podcasts | #72 | United Kingdom/Science/Social Sciences |
Apple Podcasts | #146 | Canada/Science |
Apple Podcasts | #13 |  Australia/Science/Social Sciences |
Talking Points
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Audience Metrics
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Frequently Asked Questions About Skeptoid
What is Skeptoid about and what kind of topics does it cover?
A rigorous, science-based podcast that examines urban legends, scientific myths, historical mysteries, and controversial claims through critical analysis and evidence. Episodes consistently explore how misinformation spreads, why beliefs persist, and how rigorous methodology debunks pseudoscience, with frequent emphasis on corrections, reproducible research, and responsible sourcing. Notable strengths include a broad topic range—from psychology to archaeology to health—along with a transparent stance on evidence and a willingness to update past claims. Sponsor reads and premium content are common, which may be a consideration for potential listeners and partners alike.
Where can I find podcast stats for Skeptoid?
Rephonic provides a wide range of podcast stats for Skeptoid. We scanned the web and collated all of the information that we could find in our comprehensive podcast database. See how many people listen to Skeptoid and access YouTube viewership numbers, download stats, audience demographics, chart rankings, ratings, reviews and more.
How many listeners does Skeptoid get?
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What are the audience demographics for Skeptoid?
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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. Political Reality
3. Big Picture Science
4. MonsterTalk
5. Cognitive Dissonance
How many episodes of Skeptoid are there?
Skeptoid launched 20 years ago and published 1098 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?
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Where can I see ratings and reviews for Skeptoid?
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What guests have appeared on Skeptoid?
Recent guests on Skeptoid include:
1. Chris Pearley
2. Curly Tlapoyawa
3. Blake Smith
4. Kurly Tlapoyawa
5. Adrienne Hill
6. Lee Grunfeld
7. Stuart Forman
8. John Hoopes
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.