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Skeptical Inquirer Audio Edition

Center for Inquiry

Skeptical Inquirer Audio Edition brings the insightful articles from Skeptical Inquirer magazine directly to your ears. Covering topics in science, skepticism, and critical thinking, each episode features narrated versions of our most thought-provoking content. Perfect for those on the go, SI Audio Edition allows you to stay informed and inspired wherever you are. Support our work and subscribe to the print magazine at skepticalinquirer.org Skeptical Inquirer Audio Edition is produced at the

society & culture

All Episodes

09:12

The Harm of So-Called Alternative Medicine by Edzard...

Skeptical Inquirer Audio Edition ·

2024/11/05

This article argues that so-called alternative medicine (SCAM), though often perceived as harmless, can cause harm on multiple levels, including physical health risks, financial costs, and societal impacts. The author, Edzard Ernst, emphasizes that SCAM's benefits are generally minimal, making its risks—ranging from misdiagnosis to promoting fallacies in thinking—significant factors for consumers to consider. About the Author: Edzard Ernst is emeritus professor, University of Exeter, United Kingdom,

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09:35

Semi-Fake News: A Data-Driven Approach by Massimo...

Skeptical Inquirer Audio Edition ·

2024/11/05

Pigliucci discusses the concept of "semi-fake news," misinformation that arises from the distortion of factual content rather than outright fabrication. Researchers Musi and Reed's study on misinformation during the COVID-19 pandemic highlights how logical fallacies, cognitive biases, and social media trends contribute to this issue, recommending critical thinking education as a key defense. About the Author: Massimo Pigliucci is the K.D. Irani Professor of Philosophy at the City College of New

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10:52

The Cass Review: Are We Experimenting on Kids? by...

Skeptical Inquirer Audio Edition ·

2024/11/05

The Cass Review, a report commissioned by the National Health Service in the United Kingdom, raises significant concerns about the rapid medicalization of gender dysphoria treatment for minors. The review’s recommendations for a more measured approach contrast with practices in the United States, where early medical interventions remain largely endorsed, underscoring the need for clearer guidelines and more comprehensive studies. About the Author: Robyn E. Blumner is president and CEO of the Center

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08:20

Critical Thinking in the Classroom: How CFI’s...

Skeptical Inquirer Audio Edition ·

2024/11/04

Bertha Vazquez highlights CFI’s Generation Skeptics program, which supports teachers by providing resources that address the influence of personal beliefs on critical thinking, aiming to better equip students to evaluate misinformation and pseudoscience. About the Author: Bertha Vazquez has been teaching middle school science in Miami-Dade County Public Schools for 24 years. She has BA in Biology from the University of Miami and a Master’s in Science Education from Florida International University

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13:17

Thinking Critically about Critical Thinking: What Do...

Skeptical Inquirer Audio Edition ·

2024/11/04

Melanie Trecek-King explores the concept of critical thinking in education, challenging conventional approaches that prioritize content knowledge over broader thinking skills essential for navigating misinformation. She advocates for a focus on teaching students how to evaluate information critically and to understand science as a process of reliable knowledge acquisition, emphasizing the role of skepticism, self-awareness, and intellectual humility. About the Author: Melanie Trecek-King is an

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15:40

No Witches in Amityville? by Daniel Meyer

Skeptical Inquirer Audio Edition ·

2024/11/04

Daniel Meyer explores the sensational claims connecting the Amityville Horror house to historical witchcraft, specifically the alleged involvement of John Ketchum and his lineage in the Salem witch trials. The article argues that these connections are largely unfounded, as genealogical research reveals the Ketcham family left Massachusetts long before the trials, with little evidence supporting the notion of witches or supernatural occurrences at the Amityville site. About the Author: Daniel Meyer

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23:00

Is Science Progressive or Conservative? by Mathieu Beau

Skeptical Inquirer Audio Edition ·

2024/11/04

Mathieu Beau explores the complex relationship between science, progress, and conservation, challenging the perception that science is inherently progressive. Through the examples of prominent scientists like Albert Einstein and Niels Bohr, it argues that scientific advancement often preserves foundational ideas while evolving, highlighting the complementarity between progress and conservation rather than a strict dichotomy. About the Author: Mathieu Beau, PhD, is a research associate at the

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03:05

Where’s the Science in Campaign Buttons? by Stephen Hupp

Skeptical Inquirer Audio Edition ·

2024/11/01

Stephen Hupp reflects on how pro-science messages are missing from campaign buttons, despite America's founding presidents having embraced scientific principles. Hupp introduces Timothy J. Redmond’s research showing that both political parties sometimes stray from scientific consensus, urging readers to prioritize science over party loyalty in their beliefs—and even to wear pro-science buttons to express support for scientific integrity in politics. About the Author: Stephen Hupp, PhD, is editor of

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11:44

Science over Party: Five Tips for the Left and Right...

Skeptical Inquirer Audio Edition ·

2024/11/01

Timothy J. Redmond discusses the partisan divide in attitudes toward science, with each political side selectively trusting or rejecting scientific findings. Redmond proposes five strategies to help individuals prioritize scientific evidence over political alignment, aiming to foster a bipartisan commitment to scientific truth for more informed decision-making. About the Author: Timothy J. Redmond received his MA and PhD in political science from the State University of New York at Buffalo. He

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26:13

Science and Pseudoscience in London: A Skeptic’s Tour...

Skeptical Inquirer Audio Edition ·

2024/10/07

Psychologist Stuart Vyse describes his trip to London as part of his "Skeptics Tour of..." series. On this trip, he visits sites relevant to skeptics and science enthusiasts in the cities of London and Cambridge including the Natural History Museum, the Science Museum, the Freud Museum, and more! About the Author: Stuart Vyse is a psychologist and author of Believing in Magic: The Psychology of Superstition, which won the William James Book Award of the American Psychological Association. He is also

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12:47

Mysterious Mastermind: Conspiracy Theories and Taylor...

Skeptical Inquirer Audio Edition ·

2024/09/01

The article explores how Taylor Swift, as a cultural icon, has become a focal point for conspiracy theories, driven by her immense fame and the nature of her cryptic marketing style. It examines these theories as a reflection of societal fears and resistance to changing cultural norms, rather than genuine belief in their claims, using Swift as a proxy to analyze the broader phenomenon of conspiratorial thinking. About the Author: David Hahn is an adjunct professor of philosophy at SUNY Geneseo. He

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25:01

The Truth about Sallie Winchester and the Mystery...

Skeptical Inquirer Audio Edition ·

2024/09/01

This article explores the true story of Sarah "Sallie" Winchester and her home, dispelling myths fueled by sensationalized media and tourism. It highlights Winchester's resilience, architectural innovation, and financial savvy, offering a more accurate portrayal of her life and achievements beyond the enduring supernatural lore. About the Author: Adrienne Hill, a former high school mathematics teacher, currently dedicates her time to various roles and interests. She serves as a board member for the

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18:36

Eye Movement Therapies, Purple Hats, and the Sagan...

Skeptical Inquirer Audio Edition ·

2024/08/21

Skeptical Inquirer Audio Edition is a production of Skeptical Inquirer and the Center for Inquiry. About the Author: Gerald M. Rosen, PhD, is retired from his private practice and continues as a clinical professor emeritus with the Department of Psychology, University of Washington, Seattle. He has published articles on various issues of concern to psychology, including self-help books, problems with PTSD as a diagnostic construct, vanity certification credentials, and novel therapies such as EMDR

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04:48

Join Guerrilla Skepticism on Wikipedia—and Help Us...

Skeptical Inquirer Audio Edition ·

2024/08/20

Skeptical Inquirer Audio Edition is a production of Skeptical Inquirer and the Center for Inquiry. About the Author: Affectionately called the Wikipediatrician, Susan Gerbic is the cofounder of Monterey County Skeptics and a self-proclaimed skeptical junkie. Susan is also founder of the Guerrilla Skepticism on Wikipedia (GSoW) project. She is a Fellow of the Committee for Skeptical Inquiry, and writes for her column, Guerilla Skepticism, often. You can contact her through her website. Read this

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07:14

Critical Thinking Conference in Argentina by Stephen...

Skeptical Inquirer Audio Edition ·

2024/08/20

Skeptical Inquirer Audio Edition is a production of Skeptical Inquirer and the Center for Inquiry. About the Author: Stephen Hupp, PhD, is editor of Skeptical Inquirer. He is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist and professor of Clinical Child & School Psychology at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. Read this article and find accompanying references at: https://skepticalinquirer.org/2024/08/critical-thinking-conference-in-argentina/ Subscribe to Skeptical Inquirer:

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10:45

Are Plants Conscious? by Massimo Pigliucci

Skeptical Inquirer Audio Edition ·

2024/08/20

Skeptical Inquirer Audio Edition is a production of Skeptical Inquirer and the Center for Inquiry. About the Author: Massimo Pigliucci is the K.D. Irani Professor of Philosophy at the City College of New York. His books include Nonsense on Stilts: How to Tell Science from Bunk (Chicago Press) and Philosophy of Pseudoscience (coedited with Maarten Boudry, Chicago Press). More by Massimo at http://massimopigliucci.blog/. Read this article and find accompanying references at:

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09:43

Ancient Aliens, Now Extra Cringey by Craig A. Foster

Skeptical Inquirer Audio Edition ·

2024/08/20

Craig A. Foster critiques the ongoing popularity of the "ancient aliens" theory, tracing its evolution from 1978 sci-fi to today’s "cringeworthy" resurgence. He highlights how modern criticisms expose the theory's flawed, racially biased undertones, emphasizing that skeptics should continue using evidence and reason to counter such persistent pseudoscientific claims. About the Author: Craig A. Foster is a CSI fellow and the director of research and evaluation at Northshore School District in

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11:58

The Useful Mandela Effect by Mick West

Skeptical Inquirer Audio Edition ·

2024/08/20

Mick West examines how the Mandela effect reveals flaws in human memory. West explains that this phenomenon underscores our brain's tendency to "fill in" details, which often leads people to defend incorrect memories, even with evidence to the contrary. This effect, he argues, is a powerful tool for skeptics, helping illustrate how easily people can form and hold onto false beliefs. About the Author: Mick West is a writer, investigator, and debunker who enjoys looking into the evidence behind

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03:47

Skepticism Saves the Mystery House by Stephen Hupp

Skeptical Inquirer Audio Edition ·

2024/08/19

Skeptical Inquirer Audio Edition is a production of Skeptical Inquirer and the Center for Inquiry. About the Author: Stephen Hupp, PhD, is editor of Skeptical Inquirer. He is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist and professor of Clinical Child & School Psychology at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. Read this article and find accompanying references at: https://skepticalinquirer.org/2024/08/skepticism-saves-the-mystery-house/ Subscribe to Skeptical Inquirer:

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07:59

Progress in Treatment for Obesity by Reynold Spector

Skeptical Inquirer Audio Edition ·

2024/07/01

This article discusses the breakthrough drug tirzepatide, which has been shown to significantly reduce body weight in people with obesity, offering a promising solution for a chronic health issue affecting millions. However, the high cost and accessibility challenges of these treatments, along with the societal and economic impact of obesity, raise important questions about equitable distribution and the future of weight-loss therapies. About the Author: Reynold Spector, MD has served as a professor

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216 results

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