Skeptoid Brian Dunning

Along with The SGU, Skeptoid is the best source for unbiased, science based investigation of all manner of mysteries, folklore and historical incidents. Be skeptical!

This is a favorite. A shorter podcast but full of excellent information. Pealing back the false information!!

Skeptoid covers an interesting array of topics, many of which I would credit it for introducing me to. The host champions the scientific method and empiricism, and calls himself a skeptic. I would characterize him as a debunker instead. Mr. Dunning will (typically after an intro ad or plea for donations) briefly introduce a topic, usually with an air of cynicism or worse yet, outright contempt. He will briefly posit a reason or three why said topic is bunk, have another lengthy and distracting mid-show commercial, then smugly pat himself on the back for solving the mystery, case closed. I was especially saddened by the episode on Oak Island, where Mr. Dunning describes the material found at the Money Pit as a natural sinkhole filled with storm blown debris, case closed. This does not agree with the eyewitness accounts, and I find it inherently unscientific for someone who is supposedly unbiased to be so flippantly dismissive of a complex and potentially historically significant topic. This is backwards of how science works. Mr. Dunning explores topics which he has already made up his mind about and has clear prejudices against. Maybe I’m asking too much. I mean, how thoroughly can you cover any story in fifteen minutes, when nearly half the show is advertising, or what feels like weirdly nuanced sub-surface conservative political rhetoric? I will keep listening, but I would urge the listener to keep an open mind and not rely on this show as the sole source of information, as it has a clear bias, intended or not.