Squaring the Strange

This week, Ben, Celestia, and Pascual discuss the importance of replication in everything from skeptical inquiry to scientific experimentation. Pascual is also skeptical about a certain reason for the season, and Celestia has another fortune cookie for us.

Ben first reminds us all that the History Channel still has not made good on their promise to be transparent about their Amelia Earhart research debacle, and then the guys discuss a listener question regarding "asking questions" in a leading way. Then, for our main topic, we turn to Champ, the legendary monster said to inhabit Lake Champlain, which borders New York and Vermont. The best-known report of this monster is said to be from Samuel de Champlain himself in 1609—except it's a falsified quote. Ben draws on his personal investigations of the legend, giving us an overview of the nineteenth century's yellow journalism, the frequency and patterns of Champ sightings, and similarities to the UFO phenomenon. The best photographic evidence for any lake monster (after the famous Nessie photo was revealed as a hoax) was the photo of Champ taken in 1977 by Sandra Mansi. Ben talks about his interview with Mansi, his analysis of her photo, and the subsequent practical investigations he did with Joe Nickell at (and in) the lake itself. As you might expect, a few things didn't add up, and Ben walks us through the puzzle. Wish Background Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

This week, Ben and Pascual talk about the phenomenon of outrage, especially on the internet. They break down some classic outrage from the last year and even have an update on a big story from last year! Celestia also stops by with another tasty fortune cookie. Wish Background Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

This week, our boys break down the idea that the government is out to divide us. Ben is skeptical of psychics and Pascual chats about a flat-earther who is going to prove the earth is flat. Celestia pops in with a great fortune cookie as always!

This week Ben, Pascual, and Celestia have a roundtable discussion on the practical aspects of everyday life as a skeptic. Boots-on-the-ground skepticism efforts include social media presence, etiquette, and tactics; picking your battles; and knowing when you need your own little echo chamber for sanity's sake. Keeping a salon discussion from devolving into a flame war is always the goal, but can anything be gained by out-and-out fighting? Ben talks about the importance in his own investigation work of listening to believers and walking the tightrope of helping them without alienating them. In real life, picking at the closely held beliefs of loved ones can be a minefield—but as skeptics, it feels wrong to go along with notions simply to get along. Finding common ground and focusing on empathy can help people gradually expand their mental framework. Pascual talks about the homeopathic remedies used by many musicians, and we discuss how sometimes just defining a term (or showing someone the fine print on a label) can do all the skeptical work for you. We all share some minor victories and also some pitfalls we have encountered.

This week, Ben and Pascual are joined by Celestia to discuss their skeptic heroes! Also, a heroic fortune cookie!

This week, Ben and Pascual dissect the myths and misunderstandings that surround Halloween. From tainted candy to evil predators, our boys take a bite out of these spooky Halloween treats so you don't have to! Also in this episode, Ben brings us another tale from the road!

For week 3 of our spooky Halloween series, Ben, Celestia and Pascual delve into the spooky and fascinating topic of evil clowns. Ben talks about all the different kinds of evil clowns, Celestia tells a tale of her experience with a bad clown of her own, and Pascual makes obscure pop culture references throughout. Also in this episode, Pascual breaks down a new conspiracy theory with the help of our two co-hosts.

Buckle up for part 2 of our Squaring the Strange Halloween series! This week, our spooky hosts bring us an exciting adventure into the tantalizing world of ghost sex. From celebrity spectral affairs to unwanted advances from the other side, Ben and Pascual look into the cases and the facts.

This week, the boys explore a topic that Ben literally wrote the book on (and got an award for!): El Chupacabra. From the origins to the events that led to what we now know as the Chupacabra, our fearless fellows leave no stone unturned. But first, the boys unpack some of the misconceptions of the recent Vegas shooter and try to shed some skeptical light on how these events could be viewed from a rational standpoint. Also in this episode, Celesta stops in with another tasty morsel of a fortune cookie.

This week, our boys are live at the New Mexico Podscape Festival. First, Ben dissects cryptozoology and how natural disasters come into play. Then, our strangers delve into the newest end times prediction and talk about the history of these claims. Last, Pascual digs into one of our favorite woo-peddlers, Gwenyth Paltrow, and her newest product. Celestia also stops in with a great Fortune Cookie!

Episode 25: Conspiracy Theories THEY Don't Want You to Know About (released September 28, 2017) Ben ruminates on the blowup over Trump's NFL tweets this week, wondering why so many people (especially Trump's critics) seem to give him more power by fueling the outrage machine, thus distracting themselves from the core issues. Owing to Trump's clear track record of lies, exaggerations, contradictions, and impulse thoughts, perhaps the best skeptical approach is to not give his tweets any weight at all—as they do not represent legislative action, the views of most of America, or even, perhaps, Trump's core values (if he has any). Then, for their main topic, the guys delve into conspiratorial thinking: from medieval witch hunts to the Illuminati. What factors make people more prone to fall into believing conspiracies, and what are some hallmarks of a typical conspiracy theory? Why do proponents doubt some things so strongly but swallow every point made in an amateur Youtube video? It's also valuable to examine what exactly is taken as evidence—and if, for argument's sake, that "evidence" is true: does it really prove the theory put forth or is it simply one small strange thing likely meaning nothing? Finally, we run through a quick history of disseminating information, from the rise of the printing press to modern day. Cranks with conspiracy notions have gone from buying back-of-magazine ads and Xeroxing pamphlets (and in one case cementing tiles down on East Coast streets) to putting up websites and starting podcasts—and, alarmingly, being interviewed by mainstream journalists and quoted by the President of the United States.

This week, Ben is skeptical of the History Channel bland promise to be transparent and do more investigation on their recent Amelia Earhart fiasco (spoiler: they haven't). For the main topic, the copycat effect, Ben talks about behavior modeling versus ideation, covering everything from fears of anorexia to the artistry of crop circles. Moving onto serious crimes, the guys discuss the church fires during the 1990s: after President Clinton addressed the issue and formed a task force, the fires actually quadrupled—most set by juveniles who had no clear motive. As parents know, the drive to copy and gain attention is clearly present in children, but some people never grow out of it. Certain instances were a perfect storm of copycatting: the Anthrax scare of 2001 resulted in tremendous anxiety and costs, as it was cheap and easy to fake with talcum powder while being expensive and time-consuming for authorities to deal with. The clown panic of 2016 was a less harmful (but to some, even scarier) example of copycat behavior and attention-seeking. Copycat suicide has many aspects to explore, from the self-immolation of political martyrs to recent concerns about the show 13 Reasons Why. Just like real-life events, there is always a risk that art can inspire some individuals to act in dangerous or criminal ways—but blaming the media for social ills is often too simple an explanation.

While Pascual tends to his offspring, Ben and Celestia discuss a recent story about a waitress being allegedly stiffed due to her pride tattoo. They go through numerous similar stories, some hoaxed, and discuss whether this is becoming a modern-day folk tale. Faked stories undercut and blur real issues, and writing a story around a mere Facebook post has become a recurring journalistic failure. Pascual steps back in for our main topic, a lively discussion on "alleged psychic" John Edward, as Ben and Celestia recount what they observed at a live performance. We go through cold reading and pivoting techniques Edward used as well as how the audience eagerly does much of the work for him, making connections and turning obvious misses into hits. There are many layers to the topic: the psychology of why people are motivated to believe, what possible benefits and harms come along with this type of ad-hoc spiritualistic life coaching, and even the sense of power a psychic feels as they sway a person or a room. Celestia confesses to a moment in college where she pretended to have psychic powers, and what she learned from that.

This week, the Strange crew talks time travel. Everything from their favorite time travel fiction to a little bit of science! Then they head to Bubonicon to ask people about their favorite time travel heroes! Video content is available to Patrons, as well as Ben's talk on UFOs!

This week, Ben and Pascual explore the oft-horrifying phenomenon of sleep paralysis. After watching the documentary "The Nightmare", our hosts decided it would be apt to talk about sleep paralysis, particularly because Pascual has a long history of first-hand experience. Also in this episode, Ben discusses EVP and Pascual is skeptical of a product that protects people from radio frequencies in the air. Celestia stops by with a very magical fortune cookie as well!

This week, Ben and Pascual explore how urban legends can sometimes turn dangerous and even deadly. From the unintended consequences of rumor to what happens when people believe too strongly, the boys take us on a journey through the dreadful outcomes when people become a bit too credulous regarding urban legends. Also in this episode, Celestia opens another fun fortune cookie packed with some extra firepower.

This week, we had a bad bit of timing for our outrage episode in that the events that occurred in Charlottesvile, VA were two days after we finished recording. So as to not deprive our listeners of a new episode, we put together some bonus content that we would like you all to enjoy!

Episode 18: Food Evolution Documentary and Chewing the Fat on GMOs This week Ben, Celestia, and Pascual open with a discussion on what people consider uncanny, bizarre, or strange. What takes something from implausible to downright mysterious? An understanding of statistics is one angle to consider, but ignorance of particular fields is also at work: from the World Trade Center to the pyramids to cancer remissions, people who lack the relevant technical knowledge are the ones gobsmacked by particular events or facts. Headline writers emphasize this "bizarre" aspect without providing context, leading many to jump right to conspiracy theories or supernatural explanations. Then Celestia, back from the 2017 meeting of the Institute of Food Technologists, discusses the new GMO documentary, Food Evolution. The film was funded by IFT but director Scott Hamilton Kennedy was given complete control over topic, content, and approach, and he chose to tackle the human side of the GMO/organic controversy. Kennedy did a beautiful job bringing the human element to the forefront and takes viewers along a persuasive narrative of finding common ground and changing minds. Celestia, Pascual, and Ben touch on hot button topics like GMO labeling, evil corporations like Monsanto, and patenting living organisms. We also discuss the negative feedback the movie has so far received, and the strength (or rather lack of strength) in the arguments that the anti-GMO crowd has put forth. Namely, a Huffington Post columnist supported by organic industries decries the appearance of a logo in the film's background, and Mike Adams calls Neil deGrasse Tyson a race traitor. Lastly, we let you know how to check for a screening of Food Evolution in your area, and give shoutouts to some online resources for anyone wanting to learn more about GMO tech.

This week, Ben and Pascual are joined by Andrew Torrez of the Opening Arguments podcast! They chat a bit about misconceptions and controversial ideas in the law. Also, Celstia joins in for a talk about the new Doctor Who and what the public thinks about the change.

This week, Ben and Pascual discuss the Lizard Man of Scape Ore, a legendary creature from the swamps of the American South. Also in this episode, Ben expands on the "Blue Whale" game, which has been haunting his inbox since he first cast skepticism at it.

This week, Ben and Pascual chat a bit about being pedantic, and how it sometimes can be a good thing. Ben is skeptical about some new developments in the "Blue Whale" urban legend, and Pascual takes some sketchy claims about sunscreen and cancer to task. As always, Celestia drops in for another awesome fortune cookie. For our Patrons, we've included a bonus segment at the end of the episode about Amelia Earhart and the current investigation into a mysterious photo that has recently surfaced. Check out www.patreon.com/squaringthestrange to see all the perks that come with patronage, including the brand new Skepticrate!

This week, Ben and Pascual explore what is considered to be the best case for alien crop circles. Ben questions intuition and Pascual digs into the gross-out story of the week. As always, Celestia swings by with another yummy fortune cookie, AND Squaring the Strange announces the newest Patron perk, sure to be a pleasant surprise!

This week, Ben and Pascual explore the topic of nostalgia and how a good dose of skepticism is needed in how we remember things. Pascual is skeptical about some claims about the nature of sperm and women's bodies and Ben has a chat about the use of the word "terrorism" in the media. Celestia also stops by with a fortune cookie about a much beloved figure in the skeptic world.

This week, the boys dig into a paranormal investigation Ben conducted in Cimarron, NM and what it means for the future of his investigations. Pascual responds to listener feedback, and Ben discusses the book "1984" and how it applies to the world today. Also, Celestia pops in with this week's tasty fortune cookie!

This week, the fellas are joined by our beloved content producer and official STS artist, Celestia Ward to talk about gambling and some various superstitions that surround the pastime. Pascual talks about what he's skeptical about and we also bring you another fortune cookie!

This week, Ben and Pascual explore the nuance of the Hans Christian Andersen classic fairy tale "The Emperors New Clothes". You may think you remember this story, but there are some oft-overlooked twists! Also in this episode, the boys read a piece of fan mail and Celestia cracks into another fortune cookie!

This week, Ben and Pascual talk about the black metal documentary "Until the Light Takes Us" and the events surrounding that dark story. Also, Ben discusses a strong reaction to rumors on the internet, and Pascual sheds some light on a burning question Ben has about heavy metal bands. Celestia also pops by with another skeptical fortune cookie.

This week, Ben and Pascual explore the mystery of the "Popobawa", AKA the skeptic-raping demon of Zanzibar. But first, they throw some shade at Alex Jones and try to make sense of a rather serious claim regarding the Manchester attack. Also in this episode, a new segment by our very own producer Celestia Ward titled "Skeptic Fortune Cookie". You don't want to miss it!

This week, Ben and Pascual explore corroboration bias and all the pitfalls that come with believing something "just because other people do". Also, the boys dig into Boko Haram and audio technology!

This week, Ben and Pascual talk about the history of the infamous Roswell UFO crash of 1947. Ben is skeptical about an online "scare" while Pascual breaks down tattoos and audio science.

This week, Ben and Pascual continue a two-part series on Jamaican folklore with a tale of Ben's investigation of "duppies" and the most fearsome duppy of all, the Rolling Calf! Also in this episode, a critical analysis of a couple of current news items and a BONUS for Patreon supporters (while supplies last)!

This week, Pascual responds to a listener email, and Ben tells the tale of his research on the White Witch of Rose Hall, a very famous Jamaican ghost! This is part 1 of a 2-part series on Jamaican folklore!

This week, Ben and Pascual dig into psychics and some situations where they cross paths with the law.

This week, Ben and Pascual discuss what current news items they are skeptical about as well as read some fan mail!

Today Ben and Pascual introduce themselves and the podcast, as well as talk about hoaxes in the spirit of April Fool's Day!