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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.

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes1062Founded19 years ago
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ScienceSocial Sciences

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Artwork for Skeptoid

Latest Episodes

The discovery of a Martian sarcophagus in Colorado in 1864: An oddball story, or consistent with the lore of the day?

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Supplying some much-needed skepticism to an episode of the BBC podcast Uncanny.

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Even today, some people cling to a pre-scientific belief that germs do not cause disease.

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Time is running out to grab one of the few remaining cabins for Málaga, Spain to Nice, France on the SV Royal Clipper AND announcing our next adventure to New Orleans followed by the Mysteries of the Maya cruise to the Yucatán Peninsula!

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Key Facts

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Recent Guests

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!
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!
Blake Smith
Host of Monster Talk
Monster Talk
Episode: Skeptoid Adventures: Bermuda Triangle 2025
Ben Radford
Long time author and Skeptical Inquirer editor at large
Skeptical Inquirer
Episode: Report from Death Valley, and the Bermuda Triangle
Hal Bidlack
Former master of ceremonies for meetings by James Randi
James Randi Educational Foundation
Episode: Skeptoid #950: A Modern Skeptic Podcast Host
Richard Saunders
Host of The Skeptic Zone podcast and spokesperson for the skeptical movement
Skeptic Zone
Episode: Skeptoid #917: DDT, 13 Years Later
Susan Gerbick
A supporter and advocate for skeptical media projects, involved with the Grill of Skepticism on Wikipedia Project.
Grill of Skepticism on Wikipedia Project
Episode: Skeptoid #913: Surviving Brazil's Snake Island

Host

Brian Dunning
Host of a prominent skeptical podcast discussing urban legends, science myths, and paranormal claims, with a unique blend of humor and critical analysis.

Reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars from 4.8k ratings
  • 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 States2 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 States2 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 States6 months ago
  • Skeptoid is informative, well researched, and verifiable - giving sources when they're needed. I think this podcast should be played in schools to help the younger generation to learn critical thinking and logic. Highly recommended.

    Podchaser
    5
    lmcg23
    7 months ago
  • 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.

    Apple Podcasts
    2
    Radionoush
    United Kingdom8 months ago

Listeners Say

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

Many praise the podcast for its educational value and for promoting scientific literacy, while others express concerns about perceived biases in certain topics.
Listeners appreciate the research and engaging storytelling, often noting the ability to challenge their beliefs.
There are mixed feelings about the increasing emphasis on advertising, with some suggesting it distracts from the main content.

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?

Listeners can expect a comprehensive exploration of popular myths and urban legends, where scientific skepticism meets intriguing storytelling. Key themes include paranormal claims, conspiracy theories, and misconceptions surrounding alternative medicine. Each episode offers rigorous analysis and research-driven content to debunk common beliefs, with a diverse range of topics from historical mysteries to contemporary myths. The format balances education and entertainment, making it appealing to those who appreciate critical thinking and scientific literacy alongside compelling narratives.

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?

To see how many followers or subscribers Skeptoid has on Spotify and other platforms such as Castbox and Podcast Addict, simply upgrade your account. You'll also find viewership figures for their YouTube channel if they have one.

Which podcasts are similar to Skeptoid?

These podcasts share a similar audience with Skeptoid:

1. The Skeptics' Guide to the Universe
2. Skeptics with a K
3. Talk Nerdy with Cara Santa Maria
4. Political Reality
5. TheThinkingAtheist

How many episodes of Skeptoid are there?

Skeptoid launched 19 years ago and published 1062 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.

Where can I see ratings and reviews for Skeptoid?

Rephonic pulls ratings and reviews for Skeptoid from multiple sources, including Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Castbox, and Podcast Addict.

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How do I access podcast episode transcripts for Skeptoid?

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What guests have appeared on Skeptoid?

Recent guests on Skeptoid include:

1. Adrienne Hill
2. Dr. Flint Dibble
3. Ian Bryce
4. Flint Dibble
5. Blake Smith
6. Ben Radford
7. Hal Bidlack
8. Richard Saunders

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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