Published by Brian Dunning
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.
Listen on Apple Podcasts15 min
Once again, we issue your corrections to errors made in previous Skeptoid episodes. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices
17 min
The question of whether torture is ever justified must take a back seat to the more important question: Is it effective at producing useful intelligence? Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices
17 min
Is this new technique to move your consciousness into another world anything more than just vivid imagination? Maybe. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices
17 min
Seed oils seem to be the newest food villain. Are they something you truly need to avoid? Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices
16 min
Popular tales claim that pirates used the island of Cozumel as a base of operations. History tells us pretty much the exact opposite. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices
1 hr 26 min
As a thoughtful primer for our Skeptoid Adventure through the Maya World of the Yucatán coast this December, we're dropping an episode from our good friends at the Tales From Aztlantis podcast that's all about the so-called "Mayan Calender" that was the source of so much hype -- and some real harm -- leading up to December 2012. FUN FACT: Tales From Aztlantis co-host and Indigenous Chicano archaeologist and ethnohistorian Kurly Tlapoyawa will be our guide on "The Mysteries of the Maya" Skeptoid Adventure this December! skeptoid.com/adventures Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices
18 min
Are alien spacecraft truly the best explanation for "transient" dots found on old telescope photographs? Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices
1 min
The early bird special ends this Monday for BOTH Skeptoid Adventures launching this December! Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices
17 min
What was the real cause of the drop in English-speaking literacy rates between 1980 and 2020? Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices
15 min
Usually, wellness therapies that claim to treat everything actually treat nothing. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices
17 min
The real story behind the CIA spending $20 million on PROJECT STARGATE to study psychics. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices
17 min
Our final Skeptoid Adventure of 2026 takes us to the Yucatán coast to explore the Mysteries of the Maya. So, in anticipation of that, we're playing an episode from the archive that takes us to the heart of Mesoamerica: "Finding the Black Olmec" -- Enjoy! And this Adventure takes place December 6th-13th and links up seamlessly with the New Orleans Escapade for those who are interested! www.skeptoid.com/adventures Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices
16 min
From 17th century France to Nova Scotia and all the way to the bayous of Louisiana, one particular cryptid has had a far longer run than most. The rougarou is said to be the werewolf of the swamps, stepping out of Cajun folklore and into your nightmares. Where can we find the rougarou, and what role will it fill for centuries to come? Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices
15 min
In preparation for our Skeptoid Adventure to New Orleans, we’re playing an encore edition of an episode that takes us to the heart of the Big Easy and dives into Louisiana Voodoo. We’ll see how Louisiana Voodoo stacks up against the Hollywood version as we explore the mysterious case of what came to be known as "The Voodoo Ax Murders." Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices
17 min
A round-up of plausible-sounding myths about the Moon, most of which you've probably heard, and some of which you might believe. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices
17 min
Some say artificial food dyes are killing us. The truth is a lot more nuanced. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices
18 min
The more years go by, the more Americans believe that ordinary airliners are secretly spraying chemicals for some hidden nefarious purpose. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices
16 min
This Internet legend claims the Earth's gravity will shut off for seven seconds in 2026. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices
17 min
This social media fad promises to supercharge your sleep and make you healthier than healthy, when in fact it probably does significantly more harm than good. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices
5 min
Skeptoid is now going into production on our third feature film: Alien Echoes. Get all the details at skeptoid.org/alienechoes Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices
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Observed July 30, 2026.
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