Episode #490

Alice talks about the myths and misinformation she encountered while learning to drive. Meanwhile, the team looks back over the European Skeptics Congress and Alice does a guest spot for the Skeptics' Guide to the Universe.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 https://patreon.com/merseyskeptics. Patrons get access to an ad-free version of the show and early access to episodes.You can also chat with us on the Skeptics in the Pub Discord server.Mixed and edited by Morgan Clarke.

Marsh revisits the so-called 'grievance studies' and looks at what the papers actually said. Meanwhile, Mike gets his annual phone upgrade.Note: This episode contains some quotations from Mein Kampf.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 https://patreon.com/merseyskeptics. Patrons can now get access to shows early.You can also chat with us on the Skeptics in the Pub Discord server.Mixed and edited by Morgan Clarke.

Mike talks about cryptanalysis and uses it to try and break the supposedly 'unbreakable' cipher used in the BBC's comedy-drama Ludwig.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 https://patreon.com/merseyskeptics. Patrons can now get access to shows early.You can also chat with us on the Skeptics in the Pub Discord server.Mixed and edited by Morgan Clarke.

Marsh looks at the way claims about two-tier policing are used to launder the reputations of bad actors and conspiracy theorists.Meanwhile, the whole team is exhausted from the European Skeptics Congress, and Marsh tries to persuade school teachers to join his maths programme.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 https://patreon.com/merseyskeptics. Patrons can now get access to shows early.You can also chat with us on the Skeptics in the Pub Discord server.Mixed and edited by Morgan Clarke.

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 for just £10. Get yours while 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 https://patreon.com/merseyskeptics. Patrons can now get access to shows early.You can also chat with us on the Skeptics in the Pub Discord server.Mixed and edited by Morgan Clarke.

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 Skeptics Congress at escliverpool.org. Online tickets are still available for just £10.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 https://patreon.com/merseyskeptics. Patrons can now get access to shows early.You can also chat with us on the Skeptics in the Pub Discord server.Mixed and edited by Morgan Clarke.

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 ECSO-affiliated organisations.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 https://patreon.com/merseyskeptics. Patrons can now get access to shows early.You can also chat with us on the Skeptics in the Pub Discord server.Mixed and edited by Morgan Clarke.

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 Skeptics Congress at escliverpool.org. Tickets are priced at £180, or £120 for members of ECSO-affiliated organisations.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 https://patreon.com/merseyskeptics. Patrons can now get access to shows early.You can also chat with us on the Skeptics in the Pub Discord server.Mixed and edited by Morgan Clarke.

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 organisations.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 https://patreon.com/merseyskeptics. Patrons can now get access to shows early.You can also chat with us on the Skeptics in the Pub Discord server.Mixed and edited by Morgan Clarke.

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 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 organisations. The early bird rate finishes on September 14th, so buy now while 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 https://patreon.com/merseyskeptics. Patrons can now get access to shows early.You can also chat with us on the Skeptics in the Pub Discord server.Mixed and edited by Morgan Clarke.