Skeptical Inquirer Audio Edition

Епизоде

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  When the Doctor Says Stop, But the Fight Goes On 22.07.2026 9мин

  Nick Tiller argues that a recent UFC fight in which medical advice was effectively overridden illustrates the dangerous erosion of respect for expert judgment, especially when entertainment and a culture of performative toughness take precedence over athlete safety. Using the incident to examine combat sports more broadly, he contends that ringside physicians—not referees, promoters, or fighters—should have the final authority on medical decisions to prevent avoidable, potentially life-altering injuries. Read this article and find accompanying references at: https://skepticalinquirer.org/exclusive/when-the-doctor-says-stop-but-the-fight-goes-on/ About the Author: Dr. Nick Tiller is an exercise physiologist, researcher, and writer covering health, performance, and wellness misinformation. He's been a Skeptical Inquirer columnist since 2021 and is an elected fellow of the Committee for Skeptical Inquiry. His new book, The Health and Wellness Lie, is an unflinching exposé of the trillion-dollar wellness machine. Visit www.nbtiller.com for more. Subscribe to Skeptical Inquirer: https://skepticalinquirer.org/subscribe/
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  Percival Lowell and the Canals on Mars 17.07.2026 10мин

  Terence Hines reviews The Martians: The True Story of an Alien Craze That Captured Turn-of-the-Century America. By David Baron. Liveright Books/W. W. Norton, 2025. Read this article and find accompanying references at: https://skepticalinquirer.org/2026/06/percival-lowell-and-the-canals-on-mars/ About the Author: Terence Hines is professor of psychology at Pace University and adjunct professor of neurology at New York Medical College. He is author of The Psychology and Science of Pseudoscience (2025) and a CSI fellow. Subscribe to Skeptical Inquirer: https://skepticalinquirer.org/subscribe/
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  The Lost Art of Scientific Inquiry 15.07.2026 9мин

  Aymen I. Idris reflects on how modern academia has transformed scientists from hands-on experimenters into grant writers, managers, and administrators, eroding the craft of direct inquiry that once defined scientific discovery. Drawing on his own career and conversations with researchers worldwide, he argues that the future of science depends on reclaiming time at the lab bench, protecting curiosity-driven research, and resisting a system that values metrics and funding over genuine exploration. Read this article and find accompanying references at: https://skepticalinquirer.org/2026/06/the-lost-art-of-scientific-inquiry/ About the Author: Aymen I. Idris, PhD, is a London-born academic, researcher, founder, and director of Africa in Science (AiS), a think tank dedicated to exploring under-researched and neglected topics in academia. As an editor and writer, his work focuses on academia, culture, and diversity. Subscribe to Skeptical Inquirer: https://skepticalinquirer.org/subscribe/
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  The Cottingley Fairies and James Randi's Marionette Mystery 13.07.2026 13мин

  Benjamin Radford investigates the claim that James Randi wrongly concluded the famous Cottingley Fairies were suspended as marionettes, tracing the allegation through decades of sources and finding no evidence that Randi ever made such a claim. Instead, the article shows how a tentative early image analysis by other investigators evolved into a persistent myth, illustrating how careful historical research can correct misconceptions—even about prominent skeptics. Read this article and find accompanying references at: https://skepticalinquirer.org/2026/06/the-cottingley-fairies-and-james-randis-marionette-mystery/ About the Author: Benjamin Radford, M.Ed., is a scientific paranormal investigator, a research fellow at the Committee for Skeptical Inquiry, deputy editor of the Skeptical Inquirer, and author, co-author, contributor, or editor of twenty books and over a thousand articles on skepticism, critical thinking, and science literacy. His newest book is America the Fearful. Subscribe to Skeptical Inquirer: https://skepticalinquirer.org/subscribe/
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  Investigation into Hauntings at the McInteer Villa 10.07.2026 10мин

  Kenny Biddle investigates the alleged haunting of the McInteer Villa and finds that its ghost stories—from shadow figures to eerie laughter—are best explained by historical inaccuracies, psychological suggestion, and ordinary causes rather than paranormal activity. Using archival research and forensic analysis of photographs and audio, he argues that the villa is a compelling example of how folklore, misinterpretation, and sensational storytelling can transform a historic house into a celebrated haunted destination. Read this article and find accompanying references at: https://skepticalinquirer.org/2026/06/investigation-into-hauntings-at-the-mcinteer-villa/ About the Author: Kenny Biddle is the Chief Investigator of Paranormal Claims for CSI. A former ghost hunter turned skeptic, he now examines various extraordinary claims, photographic & video anomalies, and "ghost hunting" gadgets to uncover the real-world explanations behind them. He is a CSI Fellow, columnist, producer, speaker, host of the CFI video series "Ghosts in the Machine," and host of The Skeptical Help Bar livestream. Subscribe to Skeptical Inquirer: https://skepticalinquirer.org/subscribe/
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  The Missing Catalyst 08.07.2026 9мин

  In the third of a multipart series, Massimo Polidoro recounts the behind-the-scenes struggle to create what would eventually become the Committee for the Scientific Investigation of Claims of the Paranormal, showing how years of false starts, disagreements, and organizational uncertainty nearly derailed the modern skeptical movement. Read this article and find accompanying references at: https://skepticalinquirer.org/2026/06/the-missing-catalyst/ About the Author: Massimo Polidoro is an investigator of the paranormal, author, lecturer, and co-founder and head of CICAP, the Italian skeptics group. His website is at www.massimopolidoro.com. Subscribe to Skeptical Inquirer: https://skepticalinquirer.org/subscribe/  
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  The Homeopathic Industry Is on the Ropes 06.07.2026 9мин

  Robyn E. Blumner explains how the homeopathy industry is facing growing legal and regulatory challenges as the FDA tightens enforcement against unapproved products and courts increasingly reject industry efforts to preserve special treatment. She argues that despite aggressive lobbying and proposed legislation to shield homeopathy from oversight, science-based regulation and consumer protection are finally beginning to hold the industry accountable for deceptive and unsupported medical claims. Read this article and find accompanying references at: https://skepticalinquirer.org/2026/06/the-homeopathic-industry-is-on-the-ropes/ About the Author: Robyn E. Blumner is president and CEO of the Center for Inquiry and executive director of the Richard Dawkins Foundation for Reason & Science. She is a lawyer who previously held posts as a syndicated columnist and editorial writer at the Tampa Bay Times and as executive director of the ACLU of Florida and ACLU of Utah. Subscribe to Skeptical Inquirer: https://skepticalinquirer.org/subscribe/
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  News Bites: From the Tarot Card Reader's Defamation to the Artemis II Record 03.07.2026 5мин

  Julia Lavarnway, William Matthew London, Stephen Hupp, and Benjamin Radford round up notable developments in skepticism and science, from a multimillion-dollar defamation verdict against a self-proclaimed psychic and Tinder's embrace of astrology to political claims about UFOs, Bigfoot pop culture, and the latest space exploration milestones. The collection highlights how pseudoscientific beliefs continue to influence public life even as evidence-based investigations—from courtroom rulings to NASA's Artemis II mission—push back against misinformation and expand human knowledge. Read this article and find accompanying references at: https://skepticalinquirer.org/2026/06/news-bites-from-the-tarot-card-readers-defamation-to-the-artemis-ii-record/ About the Authors: Julia Lavarnway is managing editor of Skeptical Inquirer. William Matthew London is the editor of Consumer Health Digest, Quackwatch's free weekly electronic newsletter. Stephen Hupp is the executive director of CSI and editor of Skeptical Inquirer. Benjamin Radford is deputy editor of Skeptical Inquirer. Subscribe to Skeptical Inquirer: https://skepticalinquirer.org/subscribe/
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  What Did the So-Called 'Lying Monk' Really See? 01.07.2026 18мин

  Matthew J. Sharps and Jana L. Price-Sharps examine the legend of the so-called "Lying Monk," Fray Marcos de Niza, arguing that psychology—not deception—best explains the myths surrounding his expedition to Cibola. Using examples of source confusion, language ambiguity, misinterpretation, and faulty perception, they show how ordinary cognitive processes can transform modest observations into enduring legends of lost cities, strange beasts, and giants. Read this article and find accompanying references at: https://skepticalinquirer.org/2026/06/what-did-the-so-called-lying-monk-really-see/ About the Authors: Matthew J. Sharps is professor of psychology at California State University, Fresno. He is the author of numerous papers and publications in cognitive and forensic cognitive science, including the 2022 book Processing under Pressure: Stress, Memory, and Decision-Making in Law Enforcement (3rd ed.). He has consulted on eyewitness issues in numerous criminal cases and has published several articles in Skeptical Inquirer on the implications of eyewitness principles for erroneous observations and interpretations. Jana L. Price-Sharps is a licensed psychologist who specializes in trauma treatment with forensic and first responder populations. She is a full-time faculty member at Walden University in the Forensic Psychology PhD program and a part-time faculty member in the Department of Psychology at California State University, Fresno. She conducts research on interactive factors in forensic, clinical, and cognitive psychology. Subscribe to Skeptical Inquirer: https://skepticalinquirer.org/subscribe/
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  Exploring Robben Island: How the Ghosts of the Past Haunt the Researchers of Today 29.06.2026 17мин

  Malorie Mackey recounts her experiences conducting penguin conservation research on South Africa's Robben Island, exploring how its haunting history, eerie landscape, and lack of environmental control can make even skeptical scientists feel as though they are encountering ghosts. Drawing on psychology research, she argues that stress, uncertainty, and our fear of the unknown help explain why supposedly haunted places can feel genuinely paranormal despite the absence of supernatural evidence. Read this article and find accompanying references at: skepticalinquirer.org/2026/06/exploring-robben-island-how-the-ghosts-of-the-past-haunt-the-researchers-of-today/ About the Author: Malorie Mackey is an investigative journalist who studies anthropology with a specialization in mythology, occult studies, and folklore. As a member of the Explorers Club, host of the show and podcast Weird World Adventures, and creator of MaloriesAdventures.com, she is always excited to investigate the unknown. Subscribe to Skeptical Inquirer: https://skepticalinquirer.org/subscribe/
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  Boosting Facts and Busting Myths about Mythbusting 26.06.2026 16мин

  Stefan T. Siegel examines six common misconceptions about mythbusting, arguing that effectively countering misinformation requires more than simply correcting facts—it demands evidence-based strategies that address emotions, identities, and social influences. He advocates a balanced approach that combines mythbusting and fact-boosting, focuses on persuadable audiences, and uses tools such as prebunking, critical thinking, and media literacy to build long-term resilience against misinformation. Read this article and find accompanying references at: https://skepticalinquirer.org/2026/06/boosting-facts-and-busting-myths-about-mythbusting/ About the Author: Stefan T. Siegel is a postdoctoral researcher at the Institute for Business Education (IWP) at the University of St. Gallen (HSG). He is the author of international articles and books and has several years of work experience in research and teaching in higher education. He has been awarded prizes for his work. His current research focuses on educational theory, educational myths, professionalization of teachers, science communication, and sustainability education. Subscribe to Skeptical Inquirer: https://skepticalinquirer.org/subscribe/
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  The Fine Art of Baloney Detection—Sagan's Essay Three Decades Later 24.06.2026 14мин

  Massimo Pigliucci revisits Carl Sagan's classic "Baloney Detection Kit" thirty years after its publication, arguing that its core principles remain valuable but require updating to address modern challenges such as social media, misinformation, cognitive biases, and the misuse of logical fallacies. He proposes a more nuanced approach to critical thinking that emphasizes statistical literacy, expertise, media awareness, and skepticism toward corporate influence while preserving Sagan's central commitment to evidence-based reasoning. Read this article and find accompanying references at: https://skepticalinquirer.org/2026/06/the-fine-art-of-baloney-detection-sagans-essay-three-decades-later/ About the Author: Massimo Pigliucci is the K.D. Irani Professor of Philosophy at the City College of New York. His books include Nonsense on Stilts: How to Tell Science from Bunk (Chicago Press) and Philosophy of Pseudoscience (coedited with Maarten Boudry, Chicago Press). More by Massimo at https://massimopigliucci.org Subscribe to Skeptical Inquirer: https://skepticalinquirer.org/subscribe/
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  Optimizing the Tools of Our Trade 22.06.2026 2мин

  Stephen Hupp previews the next issue of Skeptical Inquirer, Volume 50, no. 4, titled "Optimizing the Tools of Our Trade". Read this article and find accompanying references at: https://skepticalinquirer.org/2026/06/optimizing-the-tools-of-our-trade/ About the Author: Stephen Hupp, PhD, is the executive director of the Committee for Skeptical Inquiry and the editor of Skeptical Inquirer. Subscribe to Skeptical Inquirer: https://skepticalinquirer.org/subscribe/
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  A Skeptical Approach to Flying Saucers and Aliens 17.06.2026 9мин

  Terence Hines reviews Neil DeGrasse Tyson's new book, Take Me to Your Leader. Read this article and find accompanying references at: https://skepticalinquirer.org/exclusive/a-skeptical-approach-to-flying-saucers-and-aliens/ About the Author: Terence Hines is professor of psychology at Pace University and adjunct professor of neurology at New York Medical College. He is author of The Psychology and Science of Pseudoscience (2025) and a CSI fellow. Subscribe to Skeptical Inquirer: https://skepticalinquirer.org/subscribe/
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  Houdini and Niagara Falls: How Legends Attach Themselves to Great Men 10.06.2026 9мин

  Robert Williams explores the enduring myth that Harry Houdini performed a daring escape at Niagara Falls and shows that, despite its plausibility, no historical evidence supports the story. The article examines how films, museums, publicity, and public expectations can combine to create legends that feel true even when they aren't. Read this article and find accompanying references at: https://skepticalinquirer.org/exclusive/houdini-and-niagara-falls-how-legends-attach-themselves-to-great-men/ About the Author: Robert Williams is a best-selling author, world record holder, and professional magician. He writes the Substack blog Examine Everything, where he takes a thoughtful, skeptical look at the evidence—or lack thereof—behind a wide range of extraordinary claims. Drawing on his background in magic and real-world experience, he reveals the tricks and techniques that drive deception, helping readers think more deeply about what they believe and why. Subscribe to Skeptical Inquirer: https://skepticalinquirer.org/subscribe/
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  Freshpet Chews on Astrology 03.06.2026 4мин

  Benjamin Radford uses a humorous Freshpet commercial about zodiac signs and pet compatibility to explore the persistence of astrology in popular culture.  Read this article and find accompanying references at: https://skepticalinquirer.org/exclusive/freshpet-chews-on-astrology/ About the Author: Benjamin Radford, M.Ed., is a scientific paranormal investigator, a research fellow at the Committee for Skeptical Inquiry, deputy editor of the Skeptical Inquirer, and author, co-author, contributor, or editor of twenty books and over a thousand articles on skepticism, critical thinking, and science literacy. His newest book is America the Fearful. Subscribe to Skeptical Inquirer: https://skepticalinquirer.org/subscribe/
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  Right, Let's Talk about AG1 27.05.2026 6мин

  Nick Tiller examines the marketing and scientific claims behind AG1. Read this article and find accompanying references at: https://skepticalinquirer.org/exclusive/right-lets-talk-about-ag1/ About the Author: Nick Tiller is an exercise scientist and writer covering health, performance, and wellness misinformation. He's the author of The Skeptic's Guide to Sports Science (Taylor & Francis, 2020) and The Health and Wellness Lie (Bloomsbury/Hopkins Press, 2026). He's been a Skeptical Inquirer columnist since 2021 and is an elected Fellow of the Committee for Skeptical Inquiry. www.nbtiller.com Subscribe to Skeptical Inquirer: https://skepticalinquirer.org/subscribe/
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  Surviving the Information Chaos Storm 25.05.2026 5мин

  David Weinberg reviews The Certainty Illusion: What You Don't Know and Why It Matters (2025). By Timothy Caulfield. Allen Lane, 2025. Read this article and find accompanying references at: https://skepticalinquirer.org/2026/04/surviving-the-information-chaos-storm/ About the Author: David Weinberg, MD, is a recently retired physician who has contributed to Science Based Medicine and The Skeptic magazine (UK). He was a speaker at the Sunday Papers session of the 2024 CSICon. Subscribe to Skeptical Inquirer: https://skepticalinquirer.org/subscribe/
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  A Jane Goodall among the Spiritualists 22.05.2026 10мин

  Terence Hines reviews The Ghost Lab: How Bigfoot Hunters, Mediums and Alien Enthusiasts Are Wrecking Science (2025). By Matthew Hongoltz-Hetling. PublicAffairs. Read this article and find accompanying references at: https://skepticalinquirer.org/2026/04/a-jane-goodall-among-the-spiritualists/ About the Author: Terence Hines is professor of psychology at Pace University and adjunct professor of neurology at New York Medical College. He is author of The Psychology and Science of Pseudoscience (2025) and a CSI fellow. Subscribe to Skeptical Inquirer: https://skepticalinquirer.org/subscribe/
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  Do We Have Physics in Common with Aliens? 20.05.2026 6мин

  Daniel Whiteson argues that while humans hope for communication and shared understanding with extraterrestrial intelligence, we have no solid evidence that aliens would use the same mathematics or physics to describe the universe. By examining the mixed history of scientific development on Earth and philosophical challenges to the universality of math and physics, he concludes that alien science may be fundamentally different from ours—making contact both more uncertain and potentially more intellectually transformative than we usually imagine. Read this article and find accompanying references at: https://skepticalinquirer.org/2026/04/do-we-have-physics-in-common-with-aliens/ About the Author: Daniel Whiteson is a particle physicist, a professor at UC Irvine, and cohost of the podcast Daniel and Kelly's Extraordinary Universe. He is the coauthor, with Andy Warner, of Do Aliens Speak Physics? Subscribe to Skeptical Inquirer: https://skepticalinquirer.org/subscribe/