Podcast – The Merseyside Skeptics Society: Recent Episodes
Podcast – The Merseyside Skeptics Society
Marsh looks at the ‘Healy’ bio-resonance tool that works to support the energetic field of your body, and Mike looks at how science communicators can get the placebo effect wrong. Meanwhile, Alice has a swarm of bees appear outside her house.
If you want to donate to our Charity Walk in aid of Refugee Action, you can do that at justgiving.com/page/mss-charity-walk-2023.
Mixed and edited by Morgan Clarke.
Joining Marsh today is Valentina Vidovic Pesic, a UK distributor of Biofield Care patches. We discuss how she believes that the silicon patches can be embedded with frequencies, what effects she feels those frequencies can have on human health, and what tests she feels could be run to demonstrate their effectiveness.
This week, Alice talks about the Alexander Technique and the claims it can help with breathing problems including asthma. And Mike looks at how end-to-end encryption is impacted by the Online Safety Bill. Meanwhile, Marsh and Alice return from a trip to Bratislava.
Mixed and edited by Morgan Clarke
Marsh looks at the conspiracist reaction to the UK government Emergency Alerts test, and Alice looks into the TikTok trend of ‘mewing’ and the dental field of orthotropics. Meanwhile, Mike has been watching Porridge.
Mixed and edited by Morgan Clarke.
Joining Marsh today is former England international footballer and sports pundit Matthew Le Tissier, to talk about Matt’s distrust of the official story around Covid, his concerns over 15 minute cities, and why he doesn’t believe in human-caused climate change.
Marsh investigates the radicalisation of the conservative website The Conservative Woman, and Mike takes a look at ChatGPT and its inability to stop lying. Meanwhile, Emma runs 50 miles and Alice climbs Arthur’s Seat.
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Alice dives into what is meant by ‘open research’ and why that is valuable, and Mike looks at TikTok and the recent US congressional hearings about banning the app. Meanwhile, Marsh returns from a holiday in France and Mike goes to live with giraffes.
Mixed and edited by Morgan Clarke
Marsh is joined by Dr Dawn Ewing, executive director of the International Academy of Biological Dentistry and Medicine and founder of Holistic Health Alternatives.
In this episode, we talk about why Dawn advises against mercury fillings, what motivated Dawn to become a holistic dentist and naturopathic practitioner, and what role she believes the teeth play in the treatment of her patients with cancer.
In this one-off episode of Skeptics with a K, the regular team step aside for International Women’s Day. Lana, Emma, and Kat get together to talk about co-sleeping and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, women’s ultramarathon performance, and a recent paper which looks at young women and anal sex.
If listeners want to skip Lana’s story on SIDS, it finishes at 0:44:30.
If you want to donate to Emma’s efforts to raise money for Refugee Women Connect, visit refugeewomenconnect.org.uk/fundraisers/runningreallyfarforrefugeewomen.
Mixed and edited by Morgan Clarke
Marsh looks at the Telegram furore around 15-Minute Cities and Alice investigates the practitioners of Kambo therapy, a folk medicine derived from tree-frog secretions. Meanwhile, Mike takes a last-minute trip to the Royal Shakespeare Company.
Mixed and edited by Morgan Clarke.
Marsh is joined by authors David Parker and Dawn Lester, of WhatReallyMakesYouIll.com.
In this episode, we talk about the causes of disease, David and Dawn’s issues with germ theory, and their research into HIV, COVID-19, and other illnesses.
With Marsh unwell, Alice and Mike are joined by Emma to talk about the efficacy of interventions for prisoners with personality disorders, and the people who cheat at speed running computer games.
If you want to donate to Emma’s efforts to raise money for Refugee Women Connect, visit refugeewomenconnect.org.uk/fundraisers/runningreallyfarforrefugeewomen.
Mixed and edited by Morgan Clarke.
Alice looks at the ‘menstrual masking’, the latest beauty trend from TikTok, while Mike looks closer at the Hawthorne Effect and whether the original Hawthorne experiments actually demonstrate the effect. Meanwhile, Marsh leads the rock ‘n’ roll life when he buys a new radiator.
Alice investigates the Tesla BioHealing medbed, which promises to recharge every cell in the body, and Marsh looks at the realtime slide of Andrew Bridgen MP into anti-vaccine conspiracy theorist. Meanwhile, Mike plays the Good Samaritan on Christmas Day.
Mixed and edited by Morgan Clarke
Welcome to 2023! This week, Mike talks about the promotion of misinformation on Twitter by its new owner Elon Musk, and Marsh looks into a website scam based around false copyright claims and backlinks. Meanwhile, Alice has a bad Christmas.
You can support the show by donating via our Patreon, or by leaving us a positive review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Play, or your podcatcher of choice.
Mixed and edited by Morgan Clarke.
For the final episode of the year, Mike, Marsh and Alice take a break from the usual format to talk about QED, how the event works, and our top tips on how we think skeptical events can be run.
Mixed and edited by Morgan Clarke
Episode 53 of our satirical, skeptical comedy podcast recorded live at QED 2022. Your host is Andy Wilson (@InKredulosi) of the Merseyside Skeptics Society and co-organiser of QED conference.
Appearing are:
- Kat Ford – PhD Evolutionary Psychologist, co-organiser and occasional host for Skeptics in the Pub online, a member of the board for Merseyside Skeptics Society and The Skeptic (@KatLikesJam)
- Michael Marshall – the Ockham-winning Marsh of the Good Thinking Society, Merseyside Skeptics Society, co-host of Skeptics with a K and co-organiser for QED (@MrMMarsh)
- Noah Lugeons – co-host of Scathing Atheist, God Awful Movies, Skepticrat and Citation Needed podcasts (@Noah_Lugeons)
- Jonathan Jarry – awesome Canadian science Communicator and co-host of The Body of Evidence podcast (@crackedscience)
As ever thanks for listening.
Alice looks at the risk factors for Alzheimer’s disease, while Mike looks at the evidence for mix-and-match vaccination. Plus, Mike has some very strange dreams.
Mixed and edited by Morgan Clarke.
We’re back from QED! This week, Alice talks about the home hormone and fertility-testing service Hertility, and Marsh is surprised when a group of anti-vaxxers come to see him speak in Glasgow. Meanwhile, Mike moves into an AirBNB. Mixed and edited by Morgan Clarke
Coming to you live from QED 2022, Marsh talks about the best-selling book ‘Greatest Forgiveness: Bring Joy and Peace to Your Life with the Power of Unconditional Forgiveness’ by Qigong Master Zhi Gang Sha, Mike looks at the Heatfiniti portable heater (which can heat a 500 square foot room for just a dime), and Alice […]
In the final episode of Skeptics with a K before the return of QED, Mike talks about claims that one episode of Doctor Who was stolen from a ten year old, while Marsh investigates Biofield patches, the new quantum technology that uses beneficial frequencies and titanium to tell your body what to do. If you […]
Alice is back from holiday, to talk about how to read a scientific paper, and Mike talks about how the prison system disproportionately impacts autistic people. Meanwhile, the whole team goes to see Brian Cox and Robin Ince live in Liverpool – with unexpected results! Tickets for QED are still available, priced just £120 (£80 […]
With Alice away on holiday, Mike and Marsh are joined by Mark Horne to talk about the ancient aliens conference in Blackpool, and anti-aging claims of wave genetics. Meanwhile, Mike has been to Scotland. Tickets for QED 2022 are still available, grab yours now at qedcon.org. Mixed and edited by Morgan Clarke.
Marsh talks about what a new Monarch and a new Prime Minister means for skepticism, and Mike discusses scientific models and when we should break with them. Meanwhile, Alice has been to the European Skeptics Congress. Mixed and edited by Morgan Clarke.
Alice takes a look into the facts behind the painkiller fentanyl and the reported dangers of accidental exposure, while Mike talks about autistic-coded characters in fiction and how their treatment impacts autistic people. Plus Emma takes Mike to see Hamilton live in London. Tickets for QED are still available, priced £120 or £80 for students […]
Mike, Marsh and Alice are joined by returning guest Emma to talk about the reasons behind the UK Barristers’ strike. Meanwhile, Marsh looks into a recent job posting for an NHS reiki practitioner, and Mike spills his drink on someone’s arse at the theatre. Mixed and edited by Morgan Clarke. You can donate to the […]
Marsh is back! He re-joins Mike and Alice to talk about new evidence which says the Loch Ness monster is plausible, and the speaker Mas Sajady, who claims to have changed everything we knew about human transformation. Tickets for QED are on sale now, pick up yours today. Mixed and edited by Morgan Clarke
While Marsh is stranded in the USA, Mike and Alice are joined by special guest Lana to talk about Mindfulness Meditation, Breast Implant Illness, and the latest TikTok trend ‘vabbing’. Meanwhile, Alice takes up permanent residence in the sunshine and Mike hands back his Doctor Who fan card. Find Lana on Twitch at twitch.tv/alytanks.
Mike looks into the academic history of one of the world’s most prominent placebo researchers, while Alice talks about Poppy Delbridge and her presentation on Emotional Freedom Technique at the Get Well conference. Tickets for QED are available now from qedcon.org. Mixed and edited by Morgan Clarke
Marsh and Alice take a long weekend in London to visit the Get Well conference, from the people behind What Doctor’s Don’t Tell You. Meanwhile, Mike looks into claims that Google has created a sentient artificial intelligence. Tickets for QED 2022 are now available, priced £120 or £80 for students or under 18s. You can […]
Mike, Marsh and Alice are joined by Emma and special guest Aaron Rabinowitz to talk about the anti-vaccine, Sovereign Citizen, Q-friendly conference Better Way. Meanwhile, everyone gets COVID. Mixed and edited by Morgan Clarke. For more from Aaron, you can find him on twitter at @ETVpod, and as host of Embrace the Void and Philosophers […]
Part two of Alice and Marsh talking about their experiences at the Great Awakening Tour in Birmingham, where the event turned to Gematria, cryptocurrency, soul contracts, and the bizarre predictive power of the movie Back to the Future. Mixed and edited by Morgan Clarke Note: we made an edit to the show after publication to […]
Marsh and Alice present part one of their experiences at the Great Awakening Tour in Birmingham, a nexus of conspiracy theories, anti-vaccine activism, sovereign citizens, and amateur poetry. Meanwhile, Mike is excited for the casting of the new Doctor. Mixed and edited by Morgan Clarke Note: we made an edit to the show after publication […]
Emma returns to talk about the planned changes to the parole system, while Mike ponders what was the first ever science fiction story. Meanwhile, Alice and Marsh talk about their adventures in South Wales and Mike cuts a cake with a sword. Mixed and edited by Morgan Clarke.
Alice digs into the evidence behind the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991, and Marsh asks why charities who pedal nonsense about autism are able to maintain their charitable status. Meanwhile, Emma makes a flying visit to talk about the Manchester marathon. If you want to donate to Emma’s marathon effort for Refugee Women Connect, visit justgiving.com/emmarunsmanchestermarathon […]
Alice looks into the claims that the COVID-19 vaccine causes changes in menstruation, and Mike falls down a rabbit hole when he asks why dogs need to take vitamins. Meanwhile, the whole team is exhausted from celebrating the civil partnership of regular guest host Emma. Mixed and edited by Morgan Clarke
Marsh gives an update on Gerson therapy, and how the Charities Commission regulates the promotion of alternative medicine. Meanwhile, Mike looks into the apparently eerie and uncanny ability of The Simpsons to predict the future. Mixed and edited by Morgan Clarke.
This week, Mike, Marsh and Alice are joined again by Emma to talk about open prisons and the abscondment of Paul Robson. Meanwhile Alice talks about the human fascination with food and health, and Marsh gives an update about the White Rose and talks about reaching anti-vaxxers. Please note that Emma’s story contains some references […]
Alice talks about the conspiracy theory which claims HIV cases are rising because of vaccinations, while Mike explains why you probably don’t need a VPN and takes a quick trip to the Apple Store. Mixed and edited by Morgan Clarke.
Marsh looks at the YouTube interview between former London mayoral candidate Brian Rose and the conspiracy theorist David Icke. Meanwhile Mike talks about the claim that placebos are getting more powerful, and Alice finds an unconventional use for chopsticks. Mixed and edited by Morgan Clarke
Marsh is joined by past life regression therapist Linda Backman, from The RavenHeart Center. In this episode, we talk about what past life regression is, the benefits Linda believes it can have in helping clients process their emotional and physical issues, and whether or not it is important that past life experiences can be verified […]
This week, Marsh examines the nature of consensus and how people can be misled by it, while Alice looks into the topical Ayurvedic skin cream ‘Dermaved’, recently withdrawn after it was found to be adulterated with steroids. Meanwhile, Mike watches Hamilton. Mixed and edited by Morgan Clarke
Happy New Year! This episode, Mike annoys cryptocurrency fans talking about web3 and non-fungible tokens, and Marsh examines SEO-baiting ‘news’ articles and sponsored scientific studies. Meanwhile, Alice talks about her December commitment ceremony.
Mixed and edited by Morgan Clarke.
Mike exploits a captive Christmas audience to tell the story of the unknown actor who claims to have secretly played the lead in Doctor Who.
Mixed and edited by Morgan Clarke.
Marsh is joined by Joy Warren, from Fluoride Free Alliance UK, whose current petition to Parliament to ban water fluoridation has more than 35,000 signatures.
In this episode, we talk about what the FFAUK believe to be the dangers of fluoridation, how useful it could be to draw comparisons between fluoridated and unfluoridated populations, why dental associations might disagree with anti-fluoride activists, and Joy’s broader beliefs about public health and medicine.
Alice and Marsh discuss what happened when they attended a raucous and public discussion on idea of Vaccine Passports.
Mixed and edited by Morgan Clarke.
Mike, Marsh and Alice are joined once again by Emma to talk about the recent decision to recall Colin Pitchfork to prison, and Marsh talks about the recent terrorist attack at the Liverpool Women’s Hospital.
Due to the nature of Colin Pitchfork’s offences, this episode makes occasional references to murder and rape which some listeners may wish to avoid.
Marsh is joined by Stan Shepherd, author of New Flat Earth. In this episode, we talk about Stan’s journey into flat Earth belief, why he believes most flat-earthers are wrong about the moon landing, and the Biblical basis for rejecting the spherical Earth.
Alice looks into Apitherapy, the practice of using bee stings for therapeutic purposes, and Marsh talks about COP26 and the ‘charitable’ lobbying efforts of climate change denial. Meanwhile Mike gets excited about the new series of Doctor Who.
Mixed and edited by Morgan Clarke.