Skeptoid: Critical Analysis Of Pop Phenomena

by Brian Dunning

As its name suggests, Skeptoid is a collection of skeptical factoids - short pro-science essays debunking a broad variety of phenomena in pop culture with pseudoscientific or paranormal foundations. The foreword is by James "The Amazing" Randi, probably the world's best known debunker of psychics and paranormal frauds. Skeptoid's chapters are adapted from the first 50 episodes of the popular critical thinking podcast of the same name. Just about every popular pseudoscience is represented Everything from paranormal phenomena such as haunted houses, Bigfoot, and ghost lights to quack health trends like organic food, chiropractic, and wheatgrass juice.

Genres: Nonfiction, Skepticism, Science

222 pages, Paperback

First published January 8, 2008

Reviews

[Latueni · Rating 1 out of 5]

I deeply care for the skeptic community so can't give it another rating - the podcast is entertaining but based on shoddy internet research and with an aura of an old smarmy guy in a club (see his cringeworthy performance on Joe Rogan show or sexist rap videos to get an idea); the guy is also a convicted fraud. It's not just my evaluation, see the skepchick article for example. For a skeptical podcast, The Skeptic's Guide to the Universe is significantly better.

[Holden Attradies · Rating 3 out of 5]

I knew it was basically just transcripts of the show laid out in a book mainly for the none podcast listening audience, but I had been hoping for a little something extra for those that had listened, but alas there wasn't. It's still cool, and makes for perfect bathroom reading. This is, how ever, from the very beginning of the show and Dunnings tone was a little too "cigar smoking old white guy atheist" club for my tastes, but I know that's something that pretty quickly fades from the show.

[Chris Seltzer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Skeptoid has introduced me to a lot of concepts I otherwise would not have heard of.

Brian can be needlessly adversarial in his approach and unwilling (unable?) to empathize with the other side.

I'll keep listening to the podcast but I can't say I'd recommend it for everyone.

[Dan · Rating 2 out of 5]

Dunning comes off as bit of a smug prick. But I can't argue with his research or conclusions.

[J · Rating 4 out of 5]

Technically I didn't read the book, I listened to the podcast. Since that's basically an audiobook version (or podiobook) I figure it counts as much as any other audiobook I listen to. This was really good. There were a few small errors, but the main stuff is wonderfully accurate and provides a nice dose of skepticism in my day.

[Hugo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent stories about revealing just how much pseudo-science there is out there and how easily we fall for it.

[Timothy · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the few sources out there advocating critical thinking. Love his Podcast and his books. Highly recommend. Stay Skeptical!