Alle afleveringen
500 afleveringen, van nieuw naar oud
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Episode #389
26 september 2024
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'. Lees meer
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-stretch
Tickets 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.
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Episode #388
12 september 2024
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. Lees meer
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.
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Episode #387
29 augustus 2024
Alice looks at the 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. Lees meer
The last few early bird tickets for QED 2024 are available now. Grab yours before the prices change!
Mixed and edited by Morgan Clarke.
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Episode #386
15 augustus 2024
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. Lees meer
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.
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Episode #385
1 augustus 2024
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. Lees meer
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
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Episode #384
18 juli 2024
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. Lees meer
Mixed and edited by Morgan Clarke.
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Episode #383
4 juli 2024
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. Lees meer
If you're in the UK, please go out and vote today!
Mixed and edited by Morgan Clarke.
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Episode #382
20 juni 2024
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. Lees meer
Tickets for QED are still available. Book yours now.
Mixed and edited by Morgan Clarke.
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Episode #381
6 juni 2024
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. Lees meer
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.
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Episode #380
23 mei 2024
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. Lees meer
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!
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Episode #379
9 mei 2024
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. Lees meer
Tickets for QED are now available, priced £164 for the full weekend. Pick up yours at qedcon.org
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Episode #378
25 april 2024
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. Lees meer
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.
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Episode #377
11 april 2024
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. Lees meer
Plus, Alice and Mike feed the animals at the zoo.
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Episode #376
28 maart 2024
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. Lees meer
Mixed and edited by Morgan Clarke.
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Episode #375
14 maart 2024
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! Lees meer
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.
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Episode #374
29 februari 2024
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. Lees meer
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.
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Episode #373
15 februari 2024
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. Lees meer
Meanwhile, the team is having problems with YouTube.
Mixed and edited by Morgan Clarke.
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Episode #372
1 februari 2024
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. Lees meer
Mixed and edited by Morgan Clarke.
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Episode #371
18 januari 2024
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. Lees meer
Mixed and edited by Morgan Clarke.
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Episode #370
4 januari 2024
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. Lees meer
Mixed and edited by Morgan Clarke.
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Episode #369
21 december 2023
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. Lees meer
Mixed and edited by Morgan Clarke.
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Episode #368
7 december 2023
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. Lees meer
Mixed and edited by Morgan Clarke.
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Episode #367
23 november 2023
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. Lees meer
Mixed and edited by Morgan Clarke.
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Episode #366
9 november 2023
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. Lees meer
Mixed and edited by Morgan Clarke.
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Episode #365
26 oktober 2023
Marsh fact-checks the parliamentary speech from anti-vaccine MP Andrew Bridgen, and Mike digs into why the first four episodes of Doctor Who are in dispute. Meanwhile, Alice tries to get a tetanus shot. Lees meer
Mixed and edited by Morgan Clarke.
Donate to the Merseyside Skeptics Patreon at https://patreon.com/merseyskeptics. Your donations allow us to do the work that we do.
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Episode #364a - Fantastic Fact Cutaway
12 oktober 2023
With QED behind them, the team take a well deserved rest. Instead, we have this rare archive segment originally recorded for episode 200, when Mike, Marsh and Alice were joined by Colin to tackle a new Fantastic Fact.
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Episode #364 - Live at QED 2023
28 september 2023
Live from QED 2023, Marsh looks at what Gematria says about QED and Skeptics with a K, Alice pokes fun at supplement pedlars Black Forest, and Mike reads savage podcast reviews.
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Episode #363
14 september 2023
With QED looming, Alice looks at the burgeoning Kardashian wellness empire 'Poosh', and Marsh asks if there is more to recent calls to ban nitrates and nitrites from school dinners than there may first appear. Lees meer
This is your final call for QED tickets, with only the last couple of dozen remaining! Tickets are £149, £129 for students or under-18s, or just £39 to watch the live stream of the main stage. Pick up yours today at qedcon.org/tickets
Mixed and edited by Morgan Clarke.
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Episode #362
31 augustus 2023
This week, Mike talks about software piracy and copy protection, and the risk of a video game black hole, and Marsh looks at recent messaging from the World Health Organisation which seems to promote 'traditional medicine'. Lees meer
Meanwhile, Alice and Marsh watch the birds of prey display at a music festival.
Mixed and edited by Morgan Clarke.
The final few tickets for QED are available now - grab yours before it's too late!
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Episode #361
17 augustus 2023
In this extended episode, Mike looks at the recent 82 minute video from the YouTuber Medlife Crisis about the amazing power of the placebo effect. Meanwhile, Alice and Marsh stumble upon an injured man and step in to help. Lees meer
Mixed and edited by Morgan Clarke.
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Episode #360
3 augustus 2023
Alice looks into the supposed health benefits of mouth taping, and Marsh dives into the career of the controversial cardiologist, and critic of mRNA vaccines, Aseem Malhotra. Lees meer
Mixed and edited by Morgan Clarke.
For more information about the petition demanding action from the General Medical Council against Dr Malhotra, visit https://goodlawproject.org/petition/the-gmc-must-take-a-stand-against-doctors-who-spread-false-and-misleading-information-about-vaccines/
To help support the judicial review, you can donate at https://actions.goodlawproject.org/gmc_crowdfunder
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Episode #359
20 juli 2023
Marsh reports more on the Better Way conference, including the attendance of the MP for North West Leicestershire, Andrew Bridgen. Meanwhile, Mike returns from London to look at viral maths problems and why BODMAS isn't necessarily the answer. Lees meer
Tickets for QED are still available, and Skeptics with a K will be appearing live! If you want to see the show recorded live, or the live InKredulous, you can pick up your tickets now from the QED website.
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Episode #358
6 juli 2023
This week, Alice looks at media reports around the IARC classification of aspartame as carcinogenic and Mike asks 'why did the chicken cross the road?' Meanwhile, Marsh faces off against crypto scammers and Mike takes a holiday. Lees meer
Tickets for QED are available now. Get yours today!
If you want to sign up to speak at SkeptiCamp, you can do that at sitp.online/skepticamp
To support Emma running to QED for the Prison Reform Trust, you can do that justgiving.com/page/emmarunstoqed
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Episode #357
22 juni 2023
The regular team are joined again by Kat to talk about the recent Panorama documentary on the use of private clinics for ADHD diagnosis. Meanwhile, Mike finds out that his bathtub is incredibly tiny. Lees meer
Tickets for QED are available now, pick up yours at qedcon.org
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Episode #356
8 juni 2023
Mike, Marsh and Alice are joined by Kat, to talk about the opening session of the Better Way Conference, a three-day anti-vaccine event which promises to unveil a 'better way for health, freedom & sovereignty'. Lees meer
If you want to donate to the Skeptics in the Pub Online QED attendance fund, or apply to the fund, you can do so at sitp.online/qed.
If you want to donate to Emma's efforts to run from Liverpool to Manchester for QED, in support of prison reform, you can do that at justgiving.com/page/emmarunstoqed
If you'd like to apply to speak at SkeptiCamp 2023, you can do that at sitp.online/skepticamp
And, of course, if you want to meet Mike, Marsh, Kat - and especially Alice - at QED 2023, tickets are available now from qedcon.org.
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Episode #355
25 mei 2023
Marsh looks at the 'Healy' bio-resonance tool that works to support the energetic field of your body, and Mike looks at how science communicators can get the placebo effect wrong. Meanwhile, Alice has a swarm of bees appear outside her house. Lees meer
If you want to donate to our Charity Walk in aid of Refugee Action, you can do that at justgiving.com/page/mss-charity-walk-2023.
Mixed and edited by Morgan Clarke.
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Episode #354
11 mei 2023
This week, Alice talks about the Alexander Technique and the claims it can help with breathing problems including asthma. And Mike looks at how end-to-end encryption is impacted by the Online Safety Bill. Meanwhile, Marsh and Alice return from a trip to Bratislava. Lees meer
Mixed and edited by Morgan Clarke
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Episode #353
27 april 2023
Marsh looks at the conspiracist reaction to the UK government Emergency Alerts test, and Alice looks into the TikTok trend of 'mewing' and the dental field of orthotropics. Meanwhile, Mike has been watching Porridge. Lees meer
Mixed and edited by Morgan Clarke.
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Episode #352
13 april 2023
Marsh investigates the radicalisation of the conservative website The Conservative Woman, and Mike takes a look at ChatGPT and its inability to stop lying. Meanwhile, Emma runs 50 miles and Alice climbs Arthur's Seat. Lees meer
If you enjoy the podcast, please consider subscribing to our Patreon page. We don't take advertising or sponsorship on the show, all our funding comes from our listeners. We can't do this without you.
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Episode #351
30 maart 2023
Alice dives into what is meant by 'open research' and why that is valuable, and Mike looks at TikTok and the recent US congressional hearings about banning the app. Meanwhile, Marsh returns from a holiday in France and Mike goes to live with giraffes. Lees meer
Mixed and edited by Morgan Clarke
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Episode #350
16 maart 2023
In this one-off episode of Skeptics with a K, the regular team step aside for International Women's Day. Lana, Emma, and Kat get together to talk about co-sleeping and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, women's ultramarathon performance, and a recent paper which looks at young women and anal sex. Lees meer
If listeners want to skip Lana's story on SIDS, it finishes at 0:44:30.
If you want to donate to Emma's efforts to raise money for Refugee Women Connect, visit refugeewomenconnect.org.uk/fundraisers/runningreallyfarforrefugeewomen.
Mixed and edited by Morgan Clarke
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Episode #349
2 maart 2023
Marsh looks at the Telegram furore around 15-Minute Cities and Alice investigates the practitioners of Kambo therapy, a folk medicine derived from tree-frog secretions. Meanwhile, Mike takes a last-minute trip to the Royal Shakespeare Company. Lees meer
Mixed and edited by Morgan Clarke.
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Episode #348
16 februari 2023
With Marsh unwell, Alice and Mike are joined by Emma to talk about the efficacy of interventions for prisoners with personality disorders, and the people who cheat at speed running computer games. Lees meer
If you want to donate to Emma's efforts to raise money for Refugee Women Connect, visit refugeewomenconnect.org.uk/fundraisers/runningreallyfarforrefugeewomen.
Mixed and edited by Morgan Clarke
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Episode #347
2 februari 2023
Alice looks at the 'menstrual masking', the latest beauty trend from TikTok, while Mike looks closer at the Hawthorne Effect and whether the original Hawthorne experiments actually demonstrate the effect. Meanwhile, Marsh leads the rock 'n' roll life when he buys a new radiator. Lees meer
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Episode #346
19 januari 2023
Alice investigates the Tesla BioHealing medbed, which promises to recharge every cell in the body, and Marsh looks at the realtime slide of Andrew Bridgen MP into anti-vaccine conspiracy theorist. Meanwhile, Mike plays the Good Samaritan on Christmas Day. Lees meer
Mixed and edited by Morgan Clarke
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Episode #345
5 januari 2023
Welcome to 2023! This week, Mike talks about the promotion of misinformation on Twitter by its new owner Elon Musk, and Marsh looks into a website scam based around false copyright claims and backlinks. Meanwhile, Alice has a bad Christmas. Lees meer
You can support the show by donating via our Patreon, or by leaving us a positive review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Play, or your podcatcher of choice.
Mixed and edited by Morgan Clarke.
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Episode #344
22 december 2022
For the final episode of the year, Mike, Marsh and Alice take a break from the usual format to talk about QED, how the event works, and our top tips on how we think skeptical events can be run. Lees meer
Mixed and edited by Morgan Clarke
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Episode #343
8 december 2022
Alice looks at the risk factors for Alzheimer’s disease, while Mike looks at the evidence for mix-and-match vaccination. Plus, Mike has some very strange dreams. Lees meer
Mixed and edited by Morgan Clarke.
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Episode #341
10 november 2022
Coming to you live from QED 2022, Marsh talks about the best-selling book ‘Greatest Forgiveness: Bring Joy and Peace to Your Life with the Power of Unconditional Forgiveness’ by Qigong Master Zhi Gang Sha, Mike looks at the Heatfiniti portable heater (which can heat a 500 square foot room for just a dime), and Alice runs down her top five pseudosciences exploiting anyone going through the menopause. Lees meer
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Episode #340
27 oktober 2022
In the final episode of Skeptics with a K before the return of QED, Mike talks about claims that one episode of Doctor Who was stolen from a ten year old, while Marsh investigates Biofield patches, the new quantum technology that uses beneficial frequencies and titanium to tell your body what to do. Lees meer
If you want to donate to Emma’s efforts to raise money for the National Autistic Society by running around a prison, you can do so at justgiving.com/emmarunsaroundprison
If you want to donate to support the Merseyside Skeptics Society efforts to raise money for the Stroke Association, you can do that at justgiving.com/mssq