Shows / Skeptics with a K
Skeptics with a K
Skeptics with a K is the podcast for science, reason and critical thinking from the Merseyside Skeptics Society. Each episode features Mike Hall, Michael Marshall, and Dr Alice Howarth chatting about the things which interest them, often from a skeptical angle.
Episodes
- Skeptics with a K
Episode #428
Alice looks at the reasons why women have heart attacks misdiagnosed far more often than men, with surprising results. Meanwhile, Mike and Marsh quiz Alice on…
- Skeptics with a K
Episode #427
Marsh looks at a supplement pedlar from the UK, attempting to skirt the regulations with thinly disguised claims. Meanwhile, Alice and Marsh go to Blackpool…
- Skeptics with a K
Episode #426
Alice examines the evidence for red light therapy face masks, which are growing in popularity online. Meanwhile, Marsh has contractors in the house again, and…
- Skeptics with a K
Episode #425
Mike looks at the ramifications and limitations of the Online Safety Bill, which is responsible for the increase in age verification checks appearing online…
- Skeptics with a K
Episode #424
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…
- Skeptics with a K
Episode #423
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…
- Skeptics with a K
Episode #422
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…
- Skeptics with a K
Episode #421
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…
- Skeptics with a K
Episode #420
Mike looks at a viral video which claims to have located Heaven and proven where souls go after we die. Meanwhile, Alice has a close encounter with wild…
- Skeptics with a K
Episode #419
Alice looks at the evidence around the harmful effects of non-stick cookware, and Marsh has a run-in with drunk passengers on a plane. Meanwhile, Alice's crema…
- Skeptics with a K
Episode #418
Marsh outlines his advice for being a skeptical investigator and journalist, and what we can learn from visiting pseudoscience events. Meanwhile, Alice tries…
- Skeptics with a K
Episode #417
Mike examines a new paper which claims that open label placebos are an effective treatment for PMS, and Alice and Marsh visit Barcelona with the Skeptics in…
- Skeptics with a K
Episode #416
Alice investigates the sudden hostility to 'seed oils' amongst social media influencers, and how it can be a gateway to more sinister things. Plus, Mike's…
- Skeptics with a K
Episode #415
Marsh looks at a water filter company which offers to remove chlorine, fluoride, and more from your tap water. Meanwhile, the team visit an escape room…
- Skeptics with a K
Episode #414
Mike looks at the revival of telegony, the 19th Century pseudoscience gaining popularity in the manosphere. Tickets for the final QED are available now, pick…
- Skeptics with a K
Episode #413
Alice looks at testosterone home testing kits, and continuing social media pressure on body image. Meanwhile, Mike makes a Doctor Who-related discovery…
- Skeptics with a K
Episode #412
Alice looks at fenbendazole, the animal anti-parasitic being touted as a possible treatment for cancer, and Mike goes to watch War of the Worlds live on stage…
- Skeptics with a K
Episode #411
Marsh looks at the increase in seemingly fake experts whose quotes have started to decorate news stories. Meanwhile, Mike is getting a new kitchen. You can…
- Skeptics with a K
Episode #410
Marsh looks at Facebook ads published by Lignosus, a supplement which claims to improve your immune and respiratory wellness. Meanwhile, Alice is not ill. You…
- Skeptics with a K
Episode #409
Mike looks at the equation used by the US Government to justify their new trade tariffs. Meanwhile, Alice has had a busy few weeks and the team has news about…
- Skeptics with a K
Episode #408
Mike looks at the TikTok creators sneaking products into influencer content while pretending to offer the inside scoop. Listeners who are interested in the…
- Skeptics with a K
Episode #407
Alice looks again at the hand held relaxation device "Calm Carry", and the people behind the product. Meanwhile, Marsh goes on Malaysian radio, and Mike is…
- Skeptics with a K
Episode #406
Marsh looks at some of the unexpected products which have bought advertising space on the show, while dealing with a broken washing machine. You can sign up…
- Skeptics with a K
Episode #405
Marsh looks at the influencer campaign which is 'redefining energy' (and won't leave us alone), while Mike talks about renewed media interest in the Shroud of…
- Skeptics with a K
Episode #404
Alice talks about a handheld device which claims to reduce insomnia and anxiety. Meanwhile the whole team has been to see Captain America. You can sign up for…
- Skeptics with a K
Episode #403
Marsh investigates press stories about a TikTok 'doctor' who claims to cure a sore throat overnight, and Alice looks at electrolyte hydration tablets targeted…
- Skeptics with a K
Episode #402
Mike looks at the recent paper from Anthropic which shows artificial intelligence can pretend to do one thing while secretly doing something else, and Marsh…
- Skeptics with a K
Episode #401
Alice looks at the wellness trend of Castor Oil Packs, what they are, and whether they do anything at all. Meanwhile, Mike gets a late Christmas present. You…
- Skeptics with a K
Episode #400
It's episode 400! Mike looks at a recent investigation which says that looking at an original work of art is more emotionally impactful than looking at a copy…
- Skeptics with a K
Episode #399
Marsh returns to the misinformation surrounding around the attack on a dance class in Southport last year, following the sentencing of the perpetrator Axel…
- Skeptics with a K
Episode #398
Marsh examines the chart-topping new podcast The Telepathy Tapes, which claims that autistic children are psychic. Plus, Mike goes to buy a kitchen in VR. You…
- Skeptics with a K
Episode #397
Alice looks at the landscape of beauty trends on TikTok, and the team discuss the upcoming changes to the show for 2025. You can sign up for the new Skeptics…
- Skeptics with a K
Episode #396
Welcome to 2025! For the first episode of the new year, the team run through questions asked by our listeners. Topic include: who wrote our theme tune, our…
- Skeptics with a K
Episode #395
For the last episode of 2024, Alice talks about Teck Khong, the former-GP-turned-politician and now vocal critic of lockdowns and the Covid vaccine, and Mike…
- Skeptics with a K
Episode #394
Recording remotely for the first time since 2020, the team talk about sovereign citizens pushing common law nonsense at the Great Resist conference, and a new…
- Skeptics with a K
Episode #393
Alice and Marsh talk about their experiences with The Great Resist Conference in Derbyshire. Meanwhile, Mike has a personal bone to pick with Amazon. Mixed and…
- Skeptics with a K
Episode #392
For the first episode back after QED, Alice talks about the effects of self-talk and Mike investigates claims made by the author of a new book on the 'Nocebo…
- Skeptics with a K
Episode #391 - Live at QED 2024
We are live from QED 2024! Mike talks about the new mathematics of 'Terry-ology', Alice discusses the men who believe that semen retention will solve all of…
- Skeptics with a K
Episode #390
In the final episode before QED 2024, the team run down what is happening at the event. Mike talks about how posting 'goodbye Meta AI' won't stop Facebook…
- Skeptics with a K
Episode #389
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…
- Skeptics with a K
Episode #388
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…
- Skeptics with a K
Episode #387
Alice looks at the Scandinavian tobacco product Snus, and it's bizarre prevalence amongst English footballers, while Marsh examines the relationships between…
- Skeptics with a K
Episode #386
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…
- Skeptics with a K
Episode #385
Alice looks at the background of Hongchi Xiao, the TCM practitioner recently convicted of manslaughter for his promotion of paida lajin, or 'slapping therapy'…
- Skeptics with a K
Episode #384
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…
- Skeptics with a K
Episode #383
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…
- Skeptics with a K
Episode #382
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…
- Skeptics with a K
Episode #381
Marsh looks at the plethora of PR-based articles appearing in national and local newspaper websites, and Mike tackles claims that artificial sweeteners trick…
- Skeptics with a K
Episode #380
Alice looks at the promotion of platelet-rich plasma for ‘ovarian rejuvenation‘, and Marsh digs into media reports that Jeremy Clarkson has been voted…
- Skeptics with a K
Episode #379
Alice looks at the alternative medicine diagnosis of ‘adrenal fatigue’, and Mike talks about the Baltimore bridge disaster and asks when conspiracy theories…
- Skeptics with a K
Episode #378
Alice discusses the manufacture of argan oil, and the medicinal claims made for it and other similar oils. Meanwhile, Marsh reflects on compassionate…
- Skeptics with a K
Episode #377
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…
- Skeptics with a K
Episode #376
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…
- Skeptics with a K
Episode #375
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…
- Skeptics with a K
Episode #374
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…
- Skeptics with a K
Episode #373
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…
- Skeptics with a K
Episode #372
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…
- Skeptics with a K
Episode #371
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…
- Skeptics with a K
Episode #370
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…
- Skeptics with a K
Episode #369
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…