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 in the work of Harvard psychologist Ellen Langer.Tickets for QED are still available. Book yours now.Mixed and edited by Morgan Clarke.

Marsh looks at the plethora of PR-based articles appearing in national and local newspaper websites, and Mike tackles claims that artificial sweeteners trick your body into producing insulin.Applications for a speaking slot at SkeptiCamp Manchester 2024 are open now, and tickets for QED 2024 are on sale now.Mixed and edited by Morgan Clarke.

Alice looks at the promotion of platelet-rich plasma for ‘ovarian rejuvenation‘, and Marsh digs into media reports that Jeremy Clarkson has been voted Britain's sexiest man. Meanwhile, Mike helps Emma running around Lake Windermere and the team marvels at the Northern Lights.Mixed and edited by Morgan Clarke.Tickets for QED are available now, at the early-bird price of £164 for the full weekend, or just £45 for the online live stream. Pick up yours at qedcon.org today!

Alice looks at the alternative medicine diagnosis of ‘adrenal fatigue’, and Mike talks about the Baltimore bridge disaster and asks when conspiracy theories swallowed the world. And the team discuss the first round of speakers announced for this year's QED.Tickets for QED are now available, priced £164 for the full weekend. Pick up yours at qedcon.org

Alice discusses the manufacture of argan oil, and the medicinal claims made for it and other similar oils. Meanwhile, Marsh reflects on compassionate skepticism following the death of Daniel Dennett.If you want to support the podcast, you can donate via Patreon - or leave us a glowing review on your podcasting app of choice!Mixed and edited by Morgan Clarke.

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 court documents which reveal how Facebook steals data by spying on your encrypted internet traffic.Plus, Alice and Mike feed the animals at the zoo.

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 products via YouTube advertising. Meanwhile, the team gets the grips with our new recording setup.Mixed and edited by Morgan Clarke.

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. Meanwhile, Mike goes to watch Dune 2, Marsh goes to the athletics, and Alice is back!We survive on donations from listeners like you. If you want to support the show and the work we do, you can sign up for a regular donation at patreon.com/merseyskeptics.

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 problems between Trading Standards and the Advertising Standards Authority.If you enjoy the show, it would be a great help if you can donate to us via Patreon, or leave us a glowing review on your podcasting platform of choice. It's really appreciated.Get well soon, Alice!Mixed and edited by Morgan Clarke.

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 per day.Meanwhile, the team is having problems with YouTube.Mixed and edited by Morgan Clarke.