Since 2006, the weekly Skeptoid podcast has been taking on all the most popular urban legends and revealing the true science, true history, and true lessons we can learn from each. Skeptoid is a listener supported501(c)(3) nonprofit. Learn more
Are alien spacecraft truly the best explanation for "transient" dots found on old telescope photographs?
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Recent Programs
Balanced Literacy and the Reading Wars Episode 1045, June 16, 2026 What was the real cause of the drop in English-speaking literacy rates between 1980 and 2020?
Red Light Therapy Episode 1044, June 9, 2026 Usually, wellness therapies that claim to treat everything actually treat nothing.
The Men Who Walk Through Walls Episode 1043, June 2, 2026 The real story behind the CIA spending $20 million on PROJECT STARGATE to study psychics.
On the Trail of the Rougarou Episode 1042, May 26, 2026 All about Louisiana's mysterious swamp werewolf of legend...
Full Moon Myths Episode 1041, May 19, 2026 A round-up of plausible-sounding myths about the Moon, most of which you've probably heard, and some of which you might believe.
Food Dyes Episode 1040, May 12, 2026 Some say artificial food dyes are killing us. The truth is a lot more nuanced.
Chemtrails: Still Haven't Blown Away Episode 1039, May 5, 2026 The more years go by, the more Americans believe that ordinary airliners are secretly spraying chemicals for some hidden nefarious purpose.
Project Anchor: Anatomy of a Hoax Episode 1038, April 28, 2026 This Internet legend claims the Earth's gravity will shut off for seven seconds in 2026.
A Skeptic's Guide to Sleepmaxxing Episode 1037, April 21, 2026 This social media fad promises to supercharge your sleep and make you healthier than healthy, when in fact it probably does significantly more harm than good.
The Myth of the Alpha Wolf Episode 1036, April 14, 2026 It turns out there's probably no such thing as an alpha wolf.
How Disastrous Are Declining Birth Rates? Episode 1035, April 7, 2026 Popular influencers claim birth rates are declining disastrously. How true is that, and is it a disaster?
The Colorado Martian Episode 1034, March 31, 2026 The discovery of a Martian sarcophagus in Colorado in 1864: An oddball story, or consistent with the lore of the day?
Skeptifying BBC's Uncanny Episode 1033, March 24, 2026 Supplying some much-needed skepticism to an episode of the BBC podcast Uncanny.
Is Germ Theory a Myth? Episode 1032, March 17, 2026 Even today, some people cling to a pre-scientific belief that germs do not cause disease.
Unearthing Ancient Advanced Civilizations Episode 1031, March 10, 2026 An exploration of the validity of the Silurian hypothesis, which posits the existence of a pre-human intelligent race on Earth.
Testing the Rossi E-Cat Episode 1030, March 3, 2026 This secretive device has been promising to deliver clean, free energy for more than 15 years — but so far nobody's been allowed to examine it.
How to Become a Sovereign Citizen Episode 1029, February 24, 2026 Is there somewhere on Earth where Sovereign Citizens can actually be free of any nation's laws?
Manipulative Advertising Episode 1028, February 17, 2026 Advertising wants your attention, not your soul; and it’s not nearly as good at getting either as you might think.
Radioactive Relics: The Missing RTGs Episode 1027, February 10, 2026 Radioactive nuclear generators sit out in the environment, posing a real hazard. They're mostly — but not all — in Russia.
Vintage Ceramics: Decorative or Deadly? Episode 1026, February 3, 2026 How concerned do you truly need to be about vintage ceramicware leaching lead into your food?
Pop Quiz: Space Quandaries Episode 1025, January 27, 2026 Oh no! Another pop quiz. Take the challenge: 9 questions about space. Think you can get them all?
The Van Meter Visitors Episode 1024, January 20, 2026 A century-old hoax takes wing again, proof that good stories never stay buried.
What Accounts for Ghost Encounters? Episode 1023, January 13, 2026 If ghosts don't exist, then how do we account for all the ghost experiences that people have every day?
Blood Donation Myths Episode 1022, January 6, 2026 The myths and misconceptions surrounding blood donation and why you might consider donating.
The Case of the Impossible Satellites
