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Marsh talks about the social media ban and suggests that we may be targeting the wrong problem. Meanwhile, Marsh and Alice visit Wales to teach critical thinking. You can find all the details on the European Skeptics Congress at escliverpool.org. Tickets are priced at the early bird rate of £140, or £120 for members of ECSO-affiliated organisations.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. Patrons can now get access to shows early.You can also chat with us on the Skeptics in the Pub Discord server.Mixed and edited by Morgan Clarke.
Mike investigates the social media language of 'algospeak' and asks if it really does anything at all? Meanwhile, Marsh can't figure out why there are suddenly no ads on the Internet.You can find all the details on the European Skeptics Congress at escliverpool.org. Tickets are priced at the early bird rate of £140, or £120 for members of ECSO-affiliated organisations.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. Patrons can now get access to episodes early.You can also chat with us on the Skeptics in the Pub Discord server.Mixed and edited by Morgan Clarke.
Marsh investigates the use of aromatherapy in NHS Maternity care. Meanwhile, Alice and Marsh go to the theatre.You can find all the details on the European Skeptics Congress at escliverpool.org. Tickets are priced at the early bird rate of £140, or £120 for members of ECSO-affiliated organisations.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. Patrons can now get access to shows early.You can also chat with us on the Skeptics in the Pub Discord server.Mixed and edited by Morgan Clarke.
Alice asks whether inhaling hydrogen peroxide can cures what ails you (spoiler: no it can't), and Marsh realises he has never heard of the Planets. Meanwhile, the team are suffering in the heat. Well, except Alice, who is loving it.You can find all the details on the European Skeptics Congress at escliverpool.org. Tickets are priced at the early bird rate of £140, or £120 for members of ECSO-affiliated organisations.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. Patrons can now get access to episodes early.You can also chat with us on the Skeptics in the Pub Discord server.Mixed and edited by Morgan Clarke.
Mike looks at a new article in the Guardian which claims the nocebo effect will make you sick. Meanwhile, Alice manages to sustain an injury while driving.You can find all the details on the European Skeptics Congress at escliverpool.org. Tickets are priced at the early bird rate of £140, or £120 for members of ECSO-affiliated organisations.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.
Alice asks if we're about to plunge into another global pandemic with Hantavirus. Meanwhile, Marsh visits the beautiful Italian city of Florence... and Mike goes to Bristol.You can find all the details on the European Skeptics Congress at escliverpool.org. Tickets are priced at the early bird rate of £140, or £120 for members of ECSO-affiliated organisations.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 revisits a topic from the early days of Skeptics with a K, asking what the research says about Feliway pheromone products for cats. Meanwhile, Marsh visits the Crucible to watch the snooker and is immediately annoyed.You can find all the details on the European Skeptics Congress at escliverpool.org. Tickets are priced at the early bird rate of £140, or £120 for members of ECSO-affiliated organisations.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.
Following on from last week, Marsh looks at polling data which suggests that Gen Z believe they are psychic. Meanwhile, the team gets some lovely listener feedback and has all the latest announcements for the European Skeptics Congress in Liverpool.You can find all the details on the European Skeptics Congress at escliverpool.org.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 research from last year which claims that young people are flocking to churches in search of meaning. Meanwhile, Alice has been out driving and Marsh's life turns into an 1970s sitcom.You can find all the details on the European Skeptics Congress at escliverpool.org. Tickets for the event will go on sale on May 6th at 10 AM UK Time, priced at the early bird rate of £140, or £120 for members of ECSO-affiliated organisations.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.
Alice takes an overdue look at the controversial 'looksmaxxing' influencer known as Clavicular. Meanwhile, Marsh goes to see Joshua Idehen perform in Manchester.You can find all the details on the European Skeptics Congress at escliverpool.org. Tickets for the event will go on sale on May 6th at 10 AM UK Time, priced at the early bird rate of £140, or £120 for members of ECSO-affiliated organisations.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 ball lightning, why there is so little evidence of it, and asks whether it exists at all.The next event for Liverpool Skeptics in the Pub is this evening, but will not be taking place in the regular venue. Instead that will be in the Denbigh Castle on Hackins Hey in central Liverpool.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.
Alice looks at the prevalence of cancer misinformation on social media and the effects that may be having on cancer patients. Meanwhile, Marsh visits Durham cathedral.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 talks about efforts to reduce the climate impact of cattle, and how it's being received by conspiracy theorists. Meanwhile, Mike is excited about the return of two missing episodes of Doctor Who.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.
Alice looks at the role of peptides in the body, and why they're increasingly being recommended by biohackers and MAHA bros. Meanwhile, Mike finds a surprising villain in the Tetris movie.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 talks about "legal tender", and why it probably doesn't mean what you think it means. Meanwhile, Alice and Marsh argue about whether Piers and Pierce are the same name.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 the history of AIDS denialism, and its apparent burgeoning resurgence through the world's most listened to podcast. Meanwhile, Alice buys a new car that she is unable to drive.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 strange new conspiracy theory that there is a secret new episode of Stranger Things which is landing Netflix any day now. Any day now...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.
Alice looks at new press reports which claim ultra-processed foods may be driving an increase in bowel cancer in the under-50s. Meanwhile, Mike shouts into a microphone and Marsh goes to the Old Vic to watch Tom Stoppard's Arcadia.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 why there are =so many spurious equals signs littering = the Epstein Files. Note: This episode contains references to the crimes of Jeffrey Epstein, including passing references to child sex abuse.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 reads through the Epstein Files, and the lessons and pitfalls skeptics might encounter within... including how he came to appear in the latest documents. Meanwhile, Alice returns from a visit to The Hague.Note: This episode contains references to the crimes of Jeffrey Epstein, including references to child sex abuse.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.
Alice gets angry about 'one simple thing they don't want you to know about maxing', which pushes simple answers to problems which may or may not exist. Meanwhile, Marsh tries hard to dismantle a bed.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 investigates a new paper from China, which supposedly shows that drinkers of plant-based milk alternatives are more likely to be depressed. Meanwhile, Mike visits Bristol and Alice has a haggis.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 modern days myths surrounding the Betamax format, and Alice has to tackle an infestation of spider mites. Meanwhile, Marsh recounts his efforts to interview Erich von Däniken.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.
Alice looks at the updated guidelines from the US government around diet, particularly around alcohol consumption. Meanwhile, Mike spends the weekend in Accident & Emergency and Marsh gets new curtains.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.
Happy New Year! For the first episode of 2026, Marsh takes a look back at the predictions psychics made for 2025 and how many came true.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 stories about Tesco removing Christmas from products to avoid causing offence, and Marsh has an encounter with a fan of Joe Rogan on the train home.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 talks about what happened when he asked every Trading Standards office about consumer complaints and Cancer Act investigations. Meanwhile, Mike still has no luck trying to find a massage.The Good Thinking Society video investigating psychics in Blackpool can be found on YouTube.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.
Alice presents her top five favourite bits of Christmas gift wellness woo, before preparing to jet off to Lithuania for a long weekend.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 asks what is really happening when people report 'out of body experiences' and how we know. Meanwhile, Alice has to handle a job interview with a dislocated (ish) jaw.Watch Susan Blackmore's excellent talk on the science of out of body experiences for QED 2016 over on YouTube.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.
Alice looks at the increase in employers offering egg freezing as a perk of the job, and the knock-on effects of that. Meanwhile, Mike has trouble leaving Brighton.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 takes a brief look at the human trials mentioned in the systematic review being used to support a link between autism and paracetamol.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.
Time for the start of season 3! Don't forget to tell you friends! patreon.com/danddminus Music by Anna Bosnick and Morgan Clarke
In the aftermath of QED, Marsh talks about the communities skepticism and built and ways they can be used to make a difference. Meanwhile, Mike visits a water park and Marsh goes to Hadrian's Wall.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.
A full cast AMA before the start of our new season! A big thank you to everyone who sent in questions! Support the Show on Patreon Music by Morgan Clarke and Anna Bosnick
Hey everybody, Due to noah dealing with family stuff we didn't get to do the full cast Q& A yet so here's a very silly, very funny bonus episode we recorded a little bit ago. You can find roll for shoes here: https://rollforshoes.com/ Music by Anna Bosnick, Morgan Clarke, and this week by freesound.org Support the show on patreon!
Here it is...the season's grand finale. Thanks so much for listening Support the show on Patreon! Music by Morgan Clarke and Anna Bosnick
One more memory to explore. Lets hope our cast doesn't spend too much time KITTIN around...cause cats...get it? Support the show on Patreon Music by Anna Bosnick and Morgan Clarke
Canania in Cania thats a lot of explania! Support the show on Patreon Music by Morgan Clarke and Anna Bosnick
Our heroes head into their own memories to retrieve what they need to defeat Asmodeus . Lets see how it goes for them Skip the ads and support the show on Patreon Music by Morgan Clarke and Anna Bosnick
Mike looks at the ramifications and limitations of the Online Safety Bill, which is responsible for the increase in age verification checks appearing online. Meanwhile, Marsh watches the Euros and Mike goes to see Superman.You can give us your nominations for the Ockham Awards at the website of The Skeptic. 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 company which claims to be able to spy on you through your mobile phone, and the team returns from the Merseyside Skeptics Summer Picnic.Online tickets for the final QED are still available, 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.
It's time for our heroes to be rewarded for their good behavior. Support the show on patreon! Music by Morgan Clarke and Anna Bosnick
With the UK on its third heatwave of the year, Marsh asks what role geoengineering can or should play. Meanwhile, Mike has an unexpected knock at the door.Online tickets for the final QED are still available, 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.
Alice looks at the science underpinning Ozempic and Wegovy, and the impact they have on society. Meanwhile, Mike goes to see Hamilton again. And again. And again.Online tickets for the final QED are still available, 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.
Our heros rescue morbo and then must find the traitor. Will shenanigans ensue? You bet your butt they will! Support the show on Patreon Music by Morgan Clarke and Anna Bosnick
Marsh talks about the revival of chemtrails, and the people who are trying to 'cure' the sky with vinegar. Meanwhile, Mike returns from holiday but only wants to talk about 28 Years Later.Tickets for the final QED are available now, pick up yours today before they sell out! 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.
What awaits our heros in Maladomini this time? Tune in to find out. Support the show on Patreon Music by Morgan Clarke and Anna Bosnick
Time for our heroes to spot a fake in their midst! Support the show on Patreon! Music by Morgan Clarke and Anna Bosnick
Time to head back to to Tony D's for some upgrades and Stuff Music by Anna Bosnick and Morgan Clarke support the show on patreon.com
On this week's episode: The Trump administration starts their hunt for anti-Christian heffalumps ... A Christian pastor avoids the TSA sexuality trap by demanding a cavity search ... And Don Ford will be here to dig into the post-sassy-gay-Jesus portion of the Bible. --- To make a per episode donation at Patreon.com, click here: http://www.patreon.com/ScathingAtheist To buy our book, click here: https://www.amazon.com/Outbreak-Crisis-Religion-Ruined-Pandemic/dp/B08L2HSVS8/ If you see a news story you think we might be interested in, you can send it here: ScathingNews@gmail.com To check out our sister show, The Skepticrat, click here: https://audioboom.com/channel/the-skepticrat To check out our sister show's hot friend, God Awful Movies, click here: https://audioboom.com/channel/god-awful-movies To check out our half-sister show, Citation Needed, click here: http://citationpod.com/ To check out our sister show's sister show, D and D minus, click here: https://danddminus.libsyn.com/ To hear more from our intrepid audio engineer Morgan Clarke, click here: https://www.morganclarkemusic.com/ Help support the show by checking out our sponsors: mintmobile.com/scathing stamps.com (code: SCATHING) betterhelp.com/scathing --- Headlines: See something, snitch something - State Department's "anti-Christian bias" witch hunt begins: https://apnews.com/article/state-department-religion-doge-rubio-trump-christian-biden-4fdb73a0cbf5651789b1aced667c2aba ‘Thousands like us' - couples to take UK government to court over humanist marriages: https://www.theguardian.com/law/2025/apr/11/thousands-like-us-couples-take-uk-government-to-court-over-humanist-marriages American Atheists file briefs in two SCOTUS cases about American education: https://www.atheists.org/2025/04/american-atheists-files-briefs-in-two-supreme-court-cases-to-defend-secular-public-education/ Aiming to limit damages, Catholic hospital argues a fetus isn't the same as a person: https://iowacapitaldispatch.com/2025/04/09/aiming-to-limit-damages-catholic-hospital-argues-a-fetus-isnt-the-same-as-a-person/ James Lankford introduces a bill to gut the Johnson Amendment: https://www.friendlyatheist.com/p/sen-james-lankford-knows-the-irs Christian pastor prefers frisks from male airport security agents because scanners ‘turn you gay': https://www.thepinknews.com/2025/04/11/andrew-isker-tsa-full-body-scanners/