Skeptics with a K

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.

Marsh investigates the recent appearance of 'ear seeds' on Dragon's Den, while Mike looks at how to change your life literally with Quantum Jumping. Meanwhile, Alice has some exciting news about an upcoming project. Mixed and edited by Morgan Clarke.

Mike, Alice, and Marsh are joined by special guest Lana, who takes a look at the Drug-Free ADHD proponents. Meanwhile, Mike looks the software problems which resulted in the Horizon Post Office Scandal. Mixed and edited by Morgan Clarke.

Welcome to 2024! Mike, Alice, and Marsh take a break from the usual format to answer listener questions, about skepticism and what we can learn from listening to people who we disagree with. Mixed and edited by Morgan Clarke.

For the final show of 2023, Marsh and Alice talk go in-depth on the psychic readings they saw at the Newark Mind-Body-Spirit festival. Meanwhile, Mike has a very old correction to make. Mixed and edited by Morgan Clarke.

Mike looks at the popular US supplement Prevagen, and Marsh reports on what happened when he and Alice visited another Mind Body Spirit festival. Meanwhile, Marsh and Mike go to watch some Shakespeare. Mixed and edited by Morgan Clarke.

Alice looks at a new product which sells supplements to enhance esports players, and Marsh looks at the health claims made by Gillian Anderson's G Spot. Meanwhile, Mike has three pizzas. Mixed and edited by Morgan Clarke.

Mike looks at the all-in-one shopping app Temu and asks if there is more going on that meets the eye, while Alice looks at claims from TikTok that eating carrots can give you a tan. Mixed and edited by Morgan Clarke.

Marsh fact-checks the parliamentary speech from anti-vaccine MP Andrew Bridgen, and Mike digs into why the first four episodes of Doctor Who are in dispute. Meanwhile, Alice tries to get a tetanus shot. Mixed and edited by Morgan Clarke. Donate to the Merseyside Skeptics Patreon at https://patreon.com/merseyskeptics. Your donations allow us to do the work that we do.

With QED behind them, the team take a well deserved rest. Instead, we have this rare archive segment originally recorded for episode 200, when Mike, Marsh and Alice were joined by Colin to tackle a new Fantastic Fact.

Live from QED 2023, Marsh looks at what Gematria says about QED and Skeptics with a K, Alice pokes fun at supplement pedlars Black Forest, and Mike reads savage podcast reviews.

With QED looming, Alice looks at the burgeoning Kardashian wellness empire 'Poosh', and Marsh asks if there is more to recent calls to ban nitrates and nitrites from school dinners than there may first appear. This is your final call for QED tickets, with only the last couple of dozen remaining! Tickets are £149, £129 for students or under-18s, or just £39 to watch the live stream of the main stage. Pick up yours today at qedcon.org/tickets Mixed and edited by Morgan Clarke.

This week, Mike talks about software piracy and copy protection, and the risk of a video game black hole, and Marsh looks at recent messaging from the World Health Organisation which seems to promote 'traditional medicine'. Meanwhile, Alice and Marsh watch the birds of prey display at a music festival. Mixed and edited by Morgan Clarke. The final few tickets for QED are available now - grab yours before it's too late!

In this extended episode, Mike looks at the recent 82 minute video from the YouTuber Medlife Crisis about the amazing power of the placebo effect. Meanwhile, Alice and Marsh stumble upon an injured man and step in to help. Mixed and edited by Morgan Clarke.

Alice looks into the supposed health benefits of mouth taping, and Marsh dives into the career of the controversial cardiologist, and critic of mRNA vaccines, Aseem Malhotra. Mixed and edited by Morgan Clarke. For more information about the petition demanding action from the General Medical Council against Dr Malhotra, visit https://goodlawproject.org/petition/the-gmc-must-take-a-stand-against-doctors-who-spread-false-and-misleading-information-about-vaccines/ To help support the judicial review, you can donate at https://actions.goodlawproject.org/gmc_crowdfunder