PODCAST · science
Skeptics with a K
by Skeptic Media Limited
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
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Episode #486
Alice talks about the funding crisis in academia, and Marsh and Alice go to see Matt Winning performing live. Plus, the very last call for tickets for the European Skeptics Congress! You can find all the details on the European Skeptics Congress at escliverpool.org. Online tickets are available…
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Episode #485
Mike looks at the spread of 'fake proverbs', the supposedly original versions of popular sayings which are actually modern inventions. Meanwhile, Alice needs a new battery for her car and Marsh takes another call about an investment opportunity. You can find all the details on the European…
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Episode #484
Alice looks at the biohackers, who try to change their lifestyles and biology to promote physical health and longevity. Meanwhile, Mike gets a new pet kitten. You can find all the details on the European Skeptics Congress at escliverpool.org. Tickets are priced at £180, or £120 for members of...
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Episode #483
Marsh is targeted to invest in his property portfolio and unexpectedly ends up speaking with a former London mayoral candidate. Meanwhile, Mike is watching a red dot running an ultra marathon, while Alice and Marsh watch another red dot in Porto. You can find all the details on the European...
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Episode #482
As Alice and Marsh return from travels to Portugal, Mike talks about the new feature from Anthropic which can identify AI generated text. You can find all the details on the European Skeptics Congress at escliverpool.org. Tickets are priced at £180, or £120 for members of ECSO-affiliated...
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Episode #481
Alice talks about neurodivergence and disability, following the new Channel 4 documentary The Great ADHD Myth. Meanwhile, Marsh tries to climb a ladder. Note: Alice's story contains some descriptions of disability discrimination which some listeners may find uncomfortable. You can find all the...
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Episode #480
Marsh looks at the links between billionaire activists and academia, where claims of academic freedom provide cover for a political agenda. Meanwhile, Mike is visited by an angel. You can find all the details on the European Skeptics Congress at escliverpool.org. Tickets are priced at the early...
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Episode #479
Mike explores the difference between large language models, and other types of artificial intelligence. Meanwhile, Alice is hurling toddlers from a patio. You can find all the details on the European Skeptics Congress at escliverpool.org. Tickets are priced at the early bird rate of £140, or £120...
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Episode #478
Alice talks about open research and research integrity, in light of allegations of plagiarism made against a Cambridge professor. Meanwhile, the team goes to see Spider-Man. You can find all the details on the European Skeptics Congress at escliverpool.org. Tickets are priced at the early bird…
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Episode #477
Marsh looks at the belief that we're probably all living in a computer simulation and nothing around us is real. Meanwhile, Alice gets very annoyed and the team go to see The Odyssey. Sign up for the Skeptics with a K Patreon at https://patreon.com/skepticswithak, or to support Merseyside…
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Episode #476
Mike looks at claims that being tied up for sex will give you cancer. Meanwhile, Marsh tries to make it home from London. Sign up for the Skeptics with a K Patreon at https://patreon.com/skepticswithak, or to support Merseyside Skeptics as well as the podcast, donate at...
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Episode #475
With the UK enduring its third official heatwave of the year, Marsh looks at the arguments denying there is anything to worry about. After all, everyone remembers the long, hot summer of 1976. You can find all the details on the European Skeptics Congress at escliverpool.org. Tickets are priced…
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Episode #474
Alice outlines the political reaction to The Odyssey and the implications for free speech. Meanwhile, Marsh is asked to review a book which proves God and creation with maths. Sign up for the Skeptics with a K Patreon at https://patreon.com/skepticswithak, or to support Merseyside Skeptics as…
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Episode #473
Alice looks at the evidence for the so-called loneliness epidemic, and whether it disproportionately impacts men. Meanwhile, Marsh tries to avoid World Cup spoilers in France and Mike tries to avoid My Chemical Romance in Liverpool. You can find all the details on the European Skeptics Congress…
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Episode #472
Mike looks at the products from Telos Audio Design which claim to improve the performance of audio equipment. Meanwhile, Marsh tries to book a restaurant while having trouble with his electrics. You can find all the details on the European Skeptics Congress at escliverpool.org. Tickets are priced...
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Episode #471
Mike asks whatever happened to the story that men think about the Roman Empire every day? Meanwhile, Marsh is interrogated by Noah Lugeons about the World Cup and Alice gets a fiver in the post. You can find all the details on the European Skeptics Congress at escliverpool.org. Tickets are priced...
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Episode #470
Marsh talks about the social media ban and suggests that we may be targeting the wrong problem. Meanwhile, Marsh and Alice visit Wales to teach critical thinking. You can find all the details on the European Skeptics Congress at escliverpool.org. Tickets are priced at the early bird rate of £140,...
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Episode #469
Mike investigates the social media language of 'algospeak' and asks if it really does anything at all? Meanwhile, Marsh can't figure out why there are suddenly no ads on the Internet. You can find all the details on the European Skeptics Congress at escliverpool.org. Tickets are priced at the…
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Episode #468
Marsh investigates the use of aromatherapy in NHS Maternity care. Meanwhile, Alice and Marsh go to the theatre. You can find all the details on the European Skeptics Congress at escliverpool.org. Tickets are priced at the early bird rate of £140, or £120 for members of ECSO-affiliated...
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Episode #467
Alice asks whether inhaling hydrogen peroxide can cures what ails you (spoiler: no it can't), and Marsh realises he has never heard of the Planets. Meanwhile, the team are suffering in the heat. Well, except Alice, who is loving it. You can find all the details on the European Skeptics Congress…
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Episode #466
Mike looks at a new article in the Guardian which claims the nocebo effect will make you sick. Meanwhile, Alice manages to sustain an injury while driving. You can find all the details on the European Skeptics Congress at escliverpool.org. Tickets are priced at the early bird rate of £140, or…
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Episode #465
Alice asks if we're about to plunge into another global pandemic with Hantavirus. Meanwhile, Marsh visits the beautiful Italian city of Florence... and Mike goes to Bristol. You can find all the details on the European Skeptics Congress at escliverpool.org. Tickets are priced at the early bird…
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Episode #464
Mike revisits a topic from the early days of Skeptics with a K, asking what the research says about Feliway pheromone products for cats. Meanwhile, Marsh visits the Crucible to watch the snooker and is immediately annoyed. You can find all the details on the European Skeptics Congress at...
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Episode #463
Following on from last week, Marsh looks at polling data which suggests that Gen Z believe they are psychic. Meanwhile, the team gets some lovely listener feedback and has all the latest announcements for the European Skeptics Congress in Liverpool. You can find all the details on the European...
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Episode #462
Marsh looks at research from last year which claims that young people are flocking to churches in search of meaning. Meanwhile, Alice has been out driving and Marsh's life turns into an 1970s sitcom. You can find all the details on the European Skeptics Congress at escliverpool.org. Tickets for…
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Episode #461
Alice takes an overdue look at the controversial 'looksmaxxing' influencer known as Clavicular. Meanwhile, Marsh goes to see Joshua Idehen perform in Manchester. You can find all the details on the European Skeptics Congress at escliverpool.org. Tickets for the event will go on sale on May 6th at...
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Episode #460
Mike looks at ball lightning, why there is so little evidence of it, and asks whether it exists at all. The next event for Liverpool Skeptics in the Pub is this evening, but will not be taking place in the regular venue. Instead that will be in the Denbigh Castle on Hackins Hey in central...
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Episode #459
Alice looks at the prevalence of cancer misinformation on social media and the effects that may be having on cancer patients. Meanwhile, Marsh visits Durham cathedral. Sign up for the Skeptics with a K Patreon at https://patreon.com/skepticswithak, or to support Merseyside Skeptics as well as the...
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Episode #458
Marsh talks about efforts to reduce the climate impact of cattle, and how it's being received by conspiracy theorists. Meanwhile, Mike is excited about the return of two missing episodes of Doctor Who. Sign up for the Skeptics with a K Patreon at https://patreon.com/skepticswithak, or to support...
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Episode #457
Alice looks at the role of peptides in the body, and why they're increasingly being recommended by biohackers and MAHA bros. Meanwhile, Mike finds a surprising villain in the Tetris movie. Sign up for the Skeptics with a K Patreon at https://patreon.com/skepticswithak, or to support Merseyside...
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Episode #456
Mike talks about "legal tender", and why it probably doesn't mean what you think it means. Meanwhile, Alice and Marsh argue about whether Piers and Pierce are the same name. Sign up for the Skeptics with a K Patreon at https://patreon.com/skepticswithak, or to support Merseyside Skeptics as well…
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Episode #455
Marsh looks at the history of AIDS denialism, and its apparent burgeoning resurgence through the world's most listened to podcast. Meanwhile, Alice buys a new car that she is unable to drive. Sign up for the Skeptics with a K Patreon at https://patreon.com/skepticswithak, or to support Merseyside...
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Episode #454
Mike looks at the strange new conspiracy theory that there is a secret new episode of Stranger Things which is landing Netflix any day now. Any day now... Sign up for the Skeptics with a K Patreon at https://patreon.com/skepticswithak, or to support Merseyside Skeptics as well as the podcast,...
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Episode #453
Alice looks at new press reports which claim ultra-processed foods may be driving an increase in bowel cancer in the under-50s. Meanwhile, Mike shouts into a microphone and Marsh goes to the Old Vic to watch Tom Stoppard's Arcadia. Sign up for the Skeptics with a K Patreon at...
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Episode #452
Mike looks at why there are =so many spurious equals signs littering = the Epstein Files. Note: This episode contains references to the crimes of Jeffrey Epstein, including passing references to child sex abuse. Sign up for the Skeptics with a K Patreon at https://patreon.com/skepticswithak, or…
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Episode #451
Marsh reads through the Epstein Files, and the lessons and pitfalls skeptics might encounter within... including how he came to appear in the latest documents. Meanwhile, Alice returns from a visit to The Hague. Note: This episode contains references to the crimes of Jeffrey Epstein, including...
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Episode #450
Alice gets angry about 'one simple thing they don't want you to know about maxing', which pushes simple answers to problems which may or may not exist. Meanwhile, Marsh tries hard to dismantle a bed. Sign up for the Skeptics with a K Patreon at https://patreon.com/skepticswithak, or to support...
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Episode #449
Marsh investigates a new paper from China, which supposedly shows that drinkers of plant-based milk alternatives are more likely to be depressed. Meanwhile, Mike visits Bristol and Alice has a haggis. Sign up for the Skeptics with a K Patreon at https://patreon.com/skepticswithak, or to support...
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Episode #448
Mike looks at the modern days myths surrounding the Betamax format, and Alice has to tackle an infestation of spider mites. Meanwhile, Marsh recounts his efforts to interview Erich von Däniken. Sign up for the Skeptics with a K Patreon at https://patreon.com/skepticswithak, or to support…
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Episode #447
Alice looks at the updated guidelines from the US government around diet, particularly around alcohol consumption. Meanwhile, Mike spends the weekend in Accident & Emergency and Marsh gets new curtains. Sign up for the Skeptics with a K Patreon at https://patreon.com/skepticswithak, or to support...
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Episode #446
Happy New Year! For the first episode of 2026, Marsh takes a look back at the predictions psychics made for 2025 and how many came true. Sign up for the Skeptics with a K Patreon at https://patreon.com/skepticswithak, or to support Merseyside Skeptics as well as the podcast, donate at...
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Episode #445
Mike looks at stories about Tesco removing Christmas from products to avoid causing offence, and Marsh has an encounter with a fan of Joe Rogan on the train home. Sign up for the Skeptics with a K Patreon at https://patreon.com/skepticswithak, or to support Merseyside Skeptics as well as the...
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Episode #444
Marsh talks about what happened when he asked every Trading Standards office about consumer complaints and Cancer Act investigations. Meanwhile, Mike still has no luck trying to find a massage. The Good Thinking Society video investigating psychics in Blackpool can be found on YouTube. You can…
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Episode #443
Alice presents her top five favourite bits of Christmas gift wellness woo, before preparing to jet off to Lithuania for a long weekend. You can sign up for the Skeptics with a K Patreon at https://patreon.com/skepticswithak, or to support Merseyside Skeptics as well as the podcast, donate at...
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Episode #442
Mike asks what is really happening when people report 'out of body experiences' and how we know. Meanwhile, Alice has to handle a job interview with a dislocated jaw. Watch Susan Blackmore's excellent talk on the science of out of body experiences for QED 2016 over on YouTube. You can sign up for...
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Episode #441
Alice looks at the increase in employers offering egg freezing as a perk of the job, and the knock-on effects of that. Meanwhile, Mike has trouble leaving Brighton. You can sign up for the Skeptics with a K Patreon at https://patreon.com/skepticswithak, or to support Merseyside Skeptics as well…
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Episode #440
Mike takes a brief look at the human trials mentioned in the systematic review being used to support a link between autism and paracetamol. You can sign up for the Skeptics with a K Patreon at https://patreon.com/skepticswithak, or to support Merseyside Skeptics as well as the podcast, donate at...
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Episode #439
In the aftermath of QED, Marsh talks about the communities skepticism and built and ways they can be used to make a difference. Meanwhile, Mike visits a water park and Marsh goes to Hadrian's Wall. You can sign up for the Skeptics with a K Patreon at https://patreon.com/skepticswithak, or to...
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Episode #438 - Live from QED 2025
We are live from QED 2025! Alice talks about Nutmaxxing, where men try to enhance the volume of their semen, Marsh looks as a plug-in gadget which claims to reduce your electricity bills, and Mike asks what evidence there is that paracetamol really works. You can sign up for the Skeptics with a K...
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Episode #437
Alice looks at what happens when you go on a 'dopamine fast' and whether the claims about it from influencers match the biology. Meanwhile, with just hours to go before QED, the team are remarkably relaxed. Online tickets for the final QED are still available, pick up yours today. You can also…
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
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.
HOSTED BY
Skeptic Media Limited
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Skeptics with a K have?
Skeptics with a K currently has 496 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Skeptics with a K about?
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.
How often does Skeptics with a K release new episodes?
Skeptics with a K publishes regularly with 496 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.
Where can I listen to Skeptics with a K?
You can listen to Skeptics with a K on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Skeptics with a K?
Skeptics with a K is created and hosted by Skeptic Media Limited.
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