Skeptoid: A Critical Analysis of Pop Phenomena
Skeptoid is a weekly science podcast dedicated to furthering knowledge by blasting away the widespread pseudosciences that infect popular culture, and replacing them with way cooler reality.
Each weekly episode focuses on a single phenomenon — an urban legend, a paranormal claim, alternative therapy, or something just plain stupid — that you’ve heard of, and that you probably believe in. Skeptoid attempts to expose the folly of belief in non-evidence based phenomena, and more importantly, explains the factual scientific reality.
From the sublime to the startling, no topic is sacred, politically incorrect though that may be. 146,000 weekly downloads.
In a world where gut feelings are given more authority than facts, where the average person is permitted to drive 2 tons of steel death, and ‘God did it’ is an acceptable answer to why something happened, your life may just depend on listening to this podcast.
The LogicallyCritical podcast is intended to encourage critical thinking in everyday situations without the hassle of checking facts at the library. Rather than quote historical research or bore you with statistics about how many dentists suggest what cigarette to their patients, this will use information that we can all reasonably agree on, and will show by example how to more-fully explore any given issue be it traffic, religion, or how to lure a weasel into a cardboard box.
While no longer on the air, this podcast (hosted by someone chose to remain anonymous) is still tons of fun. A hilarious, thoughtful, and skeptical take on random issues like computers and ghosts.
Big Picture Science is a one-hour radio show and podcast that illuminates the origins, the behavior, and the future of life—and technology—on Earth by connecting ideas in surprising and humorous ways.
What came before the Big Bang? How does the brain work? Will our descendants be human or machine? What’s the origin of humor? We ponder these questions daily… and expound on them weekly.
But, wait! There’s more!
Are you a doubting Thomas? Good. Join us as we separate science from pseudoscience – and facts from the phony – in Skeptic Check, our monthly episode devoted to critical thinking.
Whether it’s astrology, Bigfoot, or just the incessant onslaught of UFOs, we take it all on, wielding the skeptical tools of solid science.
It’s Skeptic Check, but don’t take our word for it… !
Harry Potter and the Methods of Rationality: The Podcast
This post is my full pitch for this podcast.
Rationally Speaking is the official podcast of New York City Skeptics. Join hosts Massimo Pigliucciand Julia Galef as they explore the borderlands between reason and nonsense, likely and unlikely, science and pseudoscience.
Rationally Speaking is produced by Benny Pollak and recorded in the heart of New York City’s Greenwich Village.
A lot more exciting than you might expect a discussion between two philosophers to be. Give it a shot!
We’re Alive: A Story of Survival
A small riot in LA has spread past its containment. Three reserve soldiers are called to their deserted duty station. Believed to be the last remaining armed servicemen in the area, Michael, Angel, and Saul witness the true cause of the riot; people are starting to change and attack each other.
Armed with only what they can carry, they set out to secure an apartment building and rescue survivors scattered amongst the shattered remains of civilization.
In a world turned upside down, every day is a struggle, as those who have taken refuge in “the tower” find out that their safe haven is under constant threat. In this place, however, the strengths of those who stand together, might just be enough to live long enough to see things start to change.
Not really a skeptical podcast, but I enjoy it immensely. It takes a real-world approach to a zombie apocalypse and is done in the style of an old school radio show! This podcast airs on Mondays with a week off between chapters. Each chapter has three episodes. It is currently on break before season 3 kicks off in the fall. They’re only about 15 minutes long, so try the first episode even if you don’t think you’ll like it.
I’ll check these out later!
If you had to pick one, I would recommend Skeptoid. Start with an episode about something you’ve never heard of to get a feel for the show, then fish around for interesting sounding ones.
If you had to pick two… It’s sort of a tie between the HP MoR podcast (obviously!) and maybe LogicallyCritical or We’re Alive.
Whatever floats your boat.