The Skeptics' Guide to the Universe

Moon Landing Hoax In School - NeuroLogica Blog Last week a child of one of my cohosts on the SGU, who is in fifth grade (the child, not the cohost), came home from school and declared, rather dramatically, "Mom, Dad - did you know that we never we...

After Jay's daughter was told by her science teacher that we didn't land astronauts on the moon, Steve gave us a quick refresher on debunking moon landing myths.

theness.com/neurologicab...

Group photo on stage from the Seattle Extravaganza

Thank you Seattle! We had a great time and hope you all did too!

Welcome to Political Reality! | Political Reality Podcast Get more from Political Reality Podcast on Patreon

Check out their first episode now and, if you like it, support them on Patreon!

www.patreon.com/posts/147681...

Welcome to Political Reality! | Political Reality Podcast Get more from Political Reality Podcast on Patreon

In our world of “alternative facts” and “fake news,” it often seems like we’re living in a different reality than those we disagree with. Andrea and Steve are determined to get to the bottom of it in their new show, Political Reality, where they turn their skepticism to the political arena.

Image of a crystal ball with the SGU logo on it surrounded by smoke, candles, and a pair of hands Text: “Let’s see your best predictions for 2026!”

Happy New Year! Time to make your “psychic” predictions for 2026. See if you can beat the rogues on our upcoming prediction episode. Don’t forget to check last year’s post to see how you did!

Time to reflect on your 2025 predictions! How did you do? Stay tuned tomorrow to share your predictions for 2026

Extracorporeal Blood Oxygenation and Ozonation There is an entire industry catering to people who, as Webb once famously said on the hilarious Homeopathic A&E skit, have "more money than sense." This is the so-called "wellness" industry, now

You don’t need to have your blood taken out and oxygenated, but the wellness industry is still trying to sell “Extracorporeal Blood Oxygenation and Ozonation” to increase longevity.

sciencebasedmedicine.org/extracorpore...

Oops…we had 4 items last week. Thanks for catching it!

Learn more about each item on episode 145!

Results:
Discord: 29%
Instagram: 28%
Bluesky: 33%
Facebook: 47%
Threads: 0%
Twitter: 20%
Rogues: 33%

And the fiction is...
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2: A new brain imaging study shows that alcohol disinhibits certain emotional centers in the brain, exaggerating the response to a perceived threat.

It actually dulls the response to a perceived threat.

3: A new study shows that virtual reality ‘video game’ environments can trigger drinking behavior and can be used to treat alcohol addiction.

2: A new brain imaging study shows that alcohol disinhibits certain emotional centers in the brain, exaggerating the response to a perceived threat.

1: A new study finds that the psychedelic effects attributed to the popular bohemian drink known as Absinthe were entirely due to its alcohol content.

1: A new study finds that the psychedelic effects attributed to the popular bohemian drink known as Absinthe were entirely due to its alcohol content. 2: A new brain imaging study shows that alcohol disinhibits certain emotional centers in the brain, exaggerating the response to a perceived threat. 3: A new study shows that virtual reality ‘video game’ environments can trigger drinking behavior and can be used to treat alcohol addiction.

Science or Fiction time! Guess the fiction from 2008 by liking the post in this thread with your answer choice:

The fiction is...
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3: straw man – refers to men who stood outside courthouses with a straw in their shoe in order to indicate their willingness to be a false witness

While the exact etymology of straw man isn’t clear, the story about straw in the shoes is a myth.

Learn more about each item on episode 369!

Results:
Discord: 63%
Instagram: 48%
Bluesky: 47%
Facebook: 50%
Threads: 40%
Twitter: 50%
Rogues: 25%

4: nuts – from nuts, meaning a source of pleasure

3: straw man – refers to men who stood outside courthouses with a straw in their shoe in order to indicate their willingness to be a false witness

2: bogus – a machine used to make counterfeit bills or coins

1: claptrap – a trick used to ‘catch’ applause from the audience

Today’s Science or Fiction throwback is from 2012 and we have a theme – etymology. Guess which is the fictional word origin by liking the post in this thread with your answer choice!

#scienceorfiction

Happy Thanksgiving from the SGU to you!

This Thanksgiving, we want to thank everyone who has supported us over 20 years of podcasting and everyone who has joined us in our mission to promote science, skepticism, and critical thinking. We couldn't do this without you!

Learn more about each item on episode 522!

Results:
Discord: 15%
Instagram: 14%
Bluesky: 4%
Facebook: 13%
Threads: 17%
Twitter: 35%
Rogues: 33%

And the fiction is...
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1: A recent study finds that grey squirrels are capable of solving complex puzzles, rivaling primates.

Despite the headlines, squirrels were not solving complex puzzles, but did show some learning when researchers hid foods in consistent patterns.

3: A new technique allows examiners to extend the window in which the time of death can be accurately determined from 36 hours to 240 hours.

2: A large genetic analysis finds that increased genetic diversity is associated with being taller and smarter.

1: A recent study finds that grey squirrels are capable of solving complex puzzles, rivaling primates.

1: A recent study finds that grey squirrels are capable of solving complex puzzles, rivaling primates. 2: A large genetic analysis finds that increased genetic diversity is associated with being taller and smarter. 3: A new technique allows examiners to extend the window in which the time of death can be accurately determined from 36 hours to 240 hours.

Science or Fiction time! Guess the fiction from 2015 by liking the post in this thread with your answer choice.

Happy Halloween from the SGU! 💀🎃👻

Learn more about each item on episode 266!

Results:
Discord: 47%
Instagram: 40%
Bluesky: 72%
Facebook: 58%
Threads: 63%
Twitter: 39%
Rogues: 100%