Skeptics with a K

Alice investigates the sudden hostility to 'seed oils' amongst social media influencers, and how it can be a gateway to more sinister things. Plus, Mike's neighbour can't remember the name of her dog.Tickets for the final QED are available now, pick up yours today. You can also chat with us on the Skeptics in the Pub Discord server.You can sign up for the Skeptics with a K Patreon at https://patreon.com/skepticswithak, or to support Merseyside Skeptics as well as the podcast, donate at https://patreon.com/merseyskepticsMixed and edited by Morgan Clarke.

Marsh looks at a water filter company which offers to remove chlorine, fluoride, and more from your tap water. Meanwhile, the team visit an escape room.Tickets for the final QED are available now, pick up yours today. You can also chat with us on the Skeptics in the Pub Discord server.You can sign up for the Skeptics with a K Patreon at https://patreon.com/skepticswithak, or to support Merseyside Skeptics as well as the podcast, donate at https://patreon.com/merseyskepticsMixed and edited by Morgan Clarke.

Mike looks at the revival of telegony, the 19th Century pseudoscience gaining popularity in the manosphere.Tickets for the final QED are available now, pick up yours today.You can sign up for the Skeptics with a K Patreon at https://patreon.com/skepticswithak, or to support Merseyside Skeptics as well as the podcast, donate at https://patreon.com/merseyskepticsMixed and edited by Morgan Clarke.

Alice looks at testosterone home testing kits, and continuing social media pressure on body image. Meanwhile, Mike makes a Doctor Who-related discovery.Tickets for the final QED are available now, pick up yours today.You can sign up for the Skeptics with a K Patreon at https://patreon.com/skepticswithak, or to support Merseyside Skeptics as well as the podcast, donate at https://patreon.com/merseyskepticsMixed and edited by Morgan Clarke.

Alice looks at fenbendazole, the animal anti-parasitic being touted as a possible treatment for cancer, and Mike goes to watch War of the Worlds live on stage.You can sign up for the Skeptics with a K Patreon at https://patreon.com/skepticswithak, or to support Merseyside Skeptics as well as the podcast, donate at https://patreon.com/merseyskepticsMixed and edited by Morgan Clarke.

Marsh looks at the increase in seemingly fake experts whose quotes have started to decorate news stories. Meanwhile, Mike is getting a new kitchen.You can sign up for the Skeptics with a K Patreon at https://patreon.com/skepticswithak, or to support Merseyside Skeptics as well as the podcast, donate at https://patreon.com/merseyskeptics.You can also chat with us on the Skeptics in the Pub Discord server.Mixed and edited by Morgan Clarke.

Marsh looks at Facebook ads published by Lignosus, a supplement which claims to improve your immune and respiratory wellness. Meanwhile, Alice is not ill.You can sign up for the Skeptics with a K Patreon at https://patreon.com/skepticswithak, or to support Merseyside Skeptics as well as the podcast, donate at https://patreon.com/merseyskeptics.You can also chat with us on the Skeptics in the Pub Discord server.Mixed and edited by Morgan Clarke.

Mike looks at the equation used by the US Government to justify their new trade tariffs. Meanwhile, Alice has had a busy few weeks and the team has news about QED 2025.You can sign up for the Skeptics with a K Patreon at https://patreon.com/skepticswithak, or to support Merseyside Skeptics as well as the podcast, donate at https://patreon.com/merseyskepticsMixed and edited by Morgan Clarke.

Mike looks at the TikTok creators sneaking products into influencer content while pretending to offer the inside scoop.Listeners who are interested in the Mercola Tapes can find more information at the McGill Office for Science and Society.You can sign up for the dedicated new Skeptics with a K Patreon at https://patreon.com/skepticswithak or if you want to support Merseyside Skeptics as well as the podcast, donate at https://patreon.com/merseyskepticsMixed and edited by Morgan Clarke.With huge thanks to Ashley Frieze for our Marvel-style Easter Egg!

Alice looks again at the hand held relaxation device "Calm Carry", and the people behind the product. Meanwhile, Marsh goes on Malaysian radio, and Mike is feeling old for his age.You can sign up for the dedicated new Skeptics with a K Patreon at https://patreon.com/skepticswithak or if you want to support Merseyside Skeptics as well as the podcast, donate at https://patreon.com/merseyskepticsMixed and edited by Morgan Clarke.

Marsh looks at some of the unexpected products which have bought advertising space on the show, while dealing with a broken washing machine.You can sign up for the dedicated new Skeptics with a K Patreon at https://patreon.com/skepticswithak or if you want to support Merseyside Skeptics as well as the podcast, donate at https://patreon.com/merseyskepticsMixed and edited by Morgan Clarke.

Marsh looks at the influencer campaign which is 'redefining energy' (and won't leave us alone), while Mike talks about renewed media interest in the Shroud of Turin.You can sign up for the dedicated new Skeptics with a K Patreon at https://patreon.com/skepticswithak or if you want to support Merseyside Skeptics as well as the podcast, donate at https://patreon.com/merseyskepticsMixed and edited by Morgan Clarke.

Alice talks about a handheld device which claims to reduce insomnia and anxiety. Meanwhile the whole team has been to see Captain America.You can sign up for the dedicated new Skeptics with a K Patreon at https://patreon.com/skepticswithak or if you want to support Merseyside Skeptics as well as the podcast, donate at https://patreon.com/merseyskepticsMixed and edited by Morgan Clarke.

Marsh investigates press stories about a TikTok 'doctor' who claims to cure a sore throat overnight, and Alice looks at electrolyte hydration tablets targeted at people fasting for Ramadan. Meanwhile, Mike needs a cup of tea.You can sign up for the dedicated new Skeptics with a K Patreon at https://patreon.com/skepticswithak or if you want to support Merseyside Skeptics as well as the podcast, donate at https://patreon.com/merseyskepticsMixed and edited by Morgan Clarke.

Mike looks at the recent paper from Anthropic which shows artificial intelligence can pretend to do one thing while secretly doing something else, and Marsh goes to London to see Inside Number 9 on stage.You can sign up for the dedicated new Skeptics with a K Patreon at https://patreon.com/skepticswithak or if you want to support Merseyside Skeptics as well as the podcast, donate at https://patreon.com/merseyskepticsMixed and edited by Morgan Clarke.

Alice looks at the wellness trend of Castor Oil Packs, what they are, and whether they do anything at all. Meanwhile, Mike gets a late Christmas present.You can sign up for the Skeptics with a K Patreon at https://patreon.com/skepticswithak or if you want to support Merseyside Skeptics as well as the podcast, donate at https://patreon.com/merseyskepticsMixed and edited by Morgan Clarke.

It's episode 400! Mike looks at a recent investigation which says that looking at an original work of art is more emotionally impactful than looking at a copy of the same work. Meanwhile, Alice tries to go to the doctor.You can sign up for the Skeptics with a K Patreon at https://patreon.com/skepticswithak or if you want to support Merseyside Skeptics as well as the podcast, donate at https://patreon.com/merseyskepticsMixed and edited by Morgan Clarke.

Marsh returns to the misinformation surrounding around the attack on a dance class in Southport last year, following the sentencing of the perpetrator Axel Rudakubana.You can sign up for the dedicated new Skeptics with a K Patreon at https://patreon.com/skepticswithak or if you want to support Merseyside Skeptics as well as the podcast, donate at https://patreon.com/merseyskepticsMixed and edited by Morgan Clarke.

Marsh examines the chart-topping new podcast The Telepathy Tapes, which claims that autistic children are psychic. Plus, Mike goes to buy a kitchen in VR.You can sign up for the dedicated new Skeptics with a K Patreon at https://patreon.com/skepticswithak or if you want to support Merseyside Skeptics as well as the podcast, donate at https://patreon.com/merseyskepticsMixed and edited by Morgan Clarke.

Alice looks at the landscape of beauty trends on TikTok, and the team discuss the upcoming changes to the show for 2025.You can sign up for the new Skeptics with a K Patreon at https://patreon.com/skepticswithak or if you want to support Merseyside Skeptics as well as the podcast, donate at https://patreon.com/merseyskepticsMixed and edited by Morgan Clarke.

Welcome to 2025! For the first episode of the new year, the team run through questions asked by our listeners. Topic include: who wrote our theme tune, our personal paranormal experiences, and consuming pseudoscientific content without supporting it.If you have have questions you want to put to us, you can email podcast@merseysideskeptics.org.ukYou can support the show by joining our Patreon at https://patreon.com/merseyskeptics or by leaving a five-star reviews on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify, or wherever else you get podcasts from.Mixed and edited by Morgan Clarke.

For the last episode of 2024, Alice talks about Teck Khong, the former-GP-turned-politician and now vocal critic of lockdowns and the Covid vaccine, and Mike looks at an article from BBC Future which examines the data behind home remedy cold cures. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from everyone at Skeptics with a K!Mixed and edited by Morgan Clarke.

Recording remotely for the first time since 2020, the team talk about sovereign citizens pushing common law nonsense at the Great Resist conference, and a new paper which looks at the statistics in so-called mind-body studies.Mixed and edited by Morgan Clarke.

Alice and Marsh talk about their experiences with The Great Resist Conference in Derbyshire. Meanwhile, Mike has a personal bone to pick with Amazon.Mixed and edited by Morgan Clarke.

For the first episode back after QED, Alice talks about the effects of self-talk and Mike investigates claims made by the author of a new book on the 'Nocebo Effect'. Meanwhile, Mike visits HMP Dorchester with Emma.You can support what we do by donating to our Patreon, or by leaving us a glowing review on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. We really appreciate it!Mixed and edited by Morgan Clarke.

We are live from QED 2024! Mike talks about the new mathematics of 'Terry-ology', Alice discusses the men who believe that semen retention will solve all of their problems, and Marsh baits the content marketing scammers who try to get articles on The Skeptic.You can support Skeptics with a K, and the Merseyside Skeptics, by signing up to our Patreon. We won't try and upsell you with perks and prizes, but your donations help us do the things we do.

In the final episode before QED 2024, the team run down what is happening at the event. Mike talks about how posting 'goodbye Meta AI' won't stop Facebook using your data, and Marsh talks about a new AI tool to help regulators deal with pseudoscience claims.In-person tickets for QED are available for just a few more days. Pick up yours now at qedcon.org

Alice, Mike, and Marsh are joined by special guest Emma, who talks about human egg donation and the people who think it should be stopped. Marsh talks about the prolific volume of news articles from Mercola.com, and Alice looks at the new wellness trend of transdermal patches for 'energy', 'dreams', and 'stress'.If you want to donate to Emma's double marathon in support of the Prison Reform Trust, you can donate at justgiving.com/page/emma-mcclure-the-long-stretchTickets for QED 2024 are still available at qedcon.org, where you can see a live episode of Skeptics with a K, alongside InKredulous, Loremen, and the Body of Evidence.

Alice looks at the latest TikTok trend of 'sungazing', and Mike digs into a new study which says honest placebos help alleviate stress, anxiety and depression. Meanwhile, Mike tries to avoid small talk when he goes in for surgery.Note: The description of Mike's surgery includes a few references to the surgery itself that squeamish listeners may want to steel themselves for.Tickets for QED 2024 are still available, priced £189 for a full weekend of science, reason, and critical thinking.Mixed and edited by Morgan Clarke.

Alice looks at Scandinavian tobacco product Snus, and it's bizarre prevalence amongst English footballers, while Marsh examines the relationships between UK anti-abortion activists and wealthy American christian conservative groups.The last few early bird tickets for QED 2024 are available now. Grab yours before the prices change!Mixed and edited by Morgan Clarke.

Marsh discusses the recent riots in cities around the UK, and Mike looks at a recent paper which claims to explain how the placebo effect influences pain. Meanwhile, Alice steps on a (metaphorical) hornet's nest.Mixed and edited by Morgan Clarke.Tickets for QED are still available; get yours while the early bird price lasts.Submit your nominations for the 2024 Ockham Awards at The Skeptic.

Alice looks at the background of Hongchi Xiao, the TCM practitioner recently convicted of manslaughter for his promotion of paida lajin, or 'slapping therapy'. Meanwhile, Mike looks at the adverts which promote fake mobile games. Meanwhile, the whole team took part in Liverpool Pride.Tickets for QED are still available, and there is only one month left of early bird pricing. Pick up yours today at qedcon.org/tickets

Marsh talks about the winners and losers for skepticism from the UK general election, and Alice looks at the popular Zoe app and the evidence for real-time glucose monitoring. Meanwhile, Mike has a stressful time in Lanzarote.Mixed and edited by Morgan Clarke.

Alice asks if ultra-processed food is as dangerous as its made out to be, and Mike explains how the Internet was almost stolen. Meanwhile, Alice has to chase down her dog and Marsh goes to the athletics.If you're in the UK, please go out and vote today!Mixed and edited by Morgan Clarke.

Marsh looks at strange polling data coming from the United States, and the research which calls it into question, while Mike looks at the unexpected findings in the work of Harvard psychologist Ellen Langer.Tickets for QED are still available. Book yours now.Mixed and edited by Morgan Clarke.

Marsh looks at the plethora of PR-based articles appearing in national and local newspaper websites, and Mike tackles claims that artificial sweeteners trick your body into producing insulin.Applications for a speaking slot at SkeptiCamp Manchester 2024 are open now, and tickets for QED 2024 are on sale now.Mixed and edited by Morgan Clarke.

Alice looks at the promotion of platelet-rich plasma for ‘ovarian rejuvenation‘, and Marsh digs into media reports that Jeremy Clarkson has been voted Britain's sexiest man. Meanwhile, Mike helps Emma running around Lake Windermere and the team marvels at the Northern Lights.Mixed and edited by Morgan Clarke.Tickets for QED are available now, at the early-bird price of £164 for the full weekend, or just £45 for the online live stream. Pick up yours at qedcon.org today!

Alice looks at the alternative medicine diagnosis of ‘adrenal fatigue', and Mike talks about the Baltimore bridge disaster and asks when conspiracy theories swallowed the world. And the team discuss the first round of speakers announced for this year's QED.Tickets for QED are now available, priced £164 for the full weekend. Pick up yours at qedcon.org

Alice discusses the manufacture of argan oil, and the medicinal claims made for it and other similar oils. Meanwhile, Marsh reflects on compassionate skepticism following the death of Daniel Dennett.If you want to support the podcast, you can donate via Patreon - or leave us a glowing review on your podcasting app of choice!Mixed and edited by Morgan Clarke.

Marsh looks at the relationships between the Free Speech Union and the anti-mask/climate change denial website the Daily Sceptic. Meanwhile, Mike reports on court documents which reveal how Facebook steals data by spying on your encrypted internet traffic.Plus, Alice and Mike feed the animals at the zoo.

Alice asks why a relatively small article on cider vinegar for weight loss got so much traction, and Mike looks at companies making overblown claims for cheap products via YouTube advertising. Meanwhile, the team gets the grips with our new recording setup.Mixed and edited by Morgan Clarke.

Marsh looks at the environmental and social impact of outdoor digital advertising, and Mike gives the low down on the risks of glyphosate-based weedkillers. Meanwhile, Mike goes to watch Dune 2, Marsh goes to the athletics, and Alice is back!We survive on donations from listeners like you. If you want to support the show and the work we do, you can sign up for a regular donation at patreon.com/merseyskeptics.

With Alice unwell, Mike and Marsh are joined by guest host Kat to talk about their recent meet-up with a group of flat earthers, and Marsh looks at regulatory problems between Trading Standards and the Advertising Standards Authority.If you enjoy the show, it would be a great help if you can donate to us via Patreon, or leave us a glowing review on your podcasting platform of choice. It's really appreciated.Get well soon, Alice!Mixed and edited by Morgan Clarke.

Alice investigates labial peels, the unregulated chemical peel for your vulva, while Mike asks whether we really do need to be drinking eight glasses of water per day.Meanwhile, the team is having problems with YouTube.Mixed and edited by Morgan Clarke.

Marsh investigates the recent appearance of 'ear seeds' on Dragon's Den, while Mike looks at how to change your life literally with Quantum Jumping. Meanwhile, Alice has some exciting news about an upcoming project.Mixed and edited by Morgan Clarke.

Mike, Alice, and Marsh are joined by special guest Lana, who takes a look at the Drug-Free ADHD proponents. Meanwhile, Mike looks the software problems which resulted in the Horizon Post Office Scandal.Mixed and edited by Morgan Clarke.

Welcome to 2024! Mike, Alice, and Marsh take a break from the usual format to answer listener questions, about skepticism and what we can learn from listening to people who we disagree with.Mixed and edited by Morgan Clarke.

For the final show of 2023, Marsh and Alice talk go in-depth on the psychic readings they saw at the Newark Mind-Body-Spirit festival. Meanwhile, Mike has a very old correction to make.Mixed and edited by Morgan Clarke.

Mike looks at the popular US supplement Prevagen, and Marsh reports on what happened when he and Alice visited another Mind Body Spirit festival. Meanwhile, Marsh and Mike go to watch some Shakespeare.Mixed and edited by Morgan Clarke.

Alice looks at a new product which sells supplements to enhance esports players, and Marsh looks at the health claims made by Gillian Anderson's G Spot. Meanwhile, Mike has three pizzas.Mixed and edited by Morgan Clarke.

Mike looks at the all-in-one shopping app Temu and asks if there is more going on that meets the eye, while Alice looks at claims from TikTok that eating carrots can give you a tan.Mixed and edited by Morgan Clarke.