Squaring the Strange - podcast cover

Squaring the Strange

Ben Radford, Celestia Ward and Pascual Romerosquaringthestrange.libsyn.com
Not just another “skeptical” podcast, it’s a show about critical thinking and evidence-based analysis, using science and critical thinking to examine the world around us, from the mysterious and paranormal to the mundane.

Episodes

Episode 14 - Stonehenge Surprise: The Best Case for Crop Circles

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!

Jul 13, 20171 hr 15 minEp. 14

Episode 13 - Uphill Both Ways

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.

Jul 06, 20171 hr 9 minEp. 13

Episode 12 - The Mirror in the Last Haunted House

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!

Jun 29, 20171 hr 6 minEp. 12

Episode 11 - Gambling Superstitions with Celestia

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!

Jun 22, 20171 hrEp. 11

Episode 10 - Of Emperors and Clothes

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!

Jun 15, 20171 hr

Episode 9 - Until the Light Takes Us

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.

Jun 08, 20171 hr 10 min

Episode 8 - Popobawa-da-vida

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!

Jun 01, 20171 hr 24 min

Episode 7 - Stop, Corroborate and Listen

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!

May 25, 20171 hr 29 min

Episode 6 - Roswell That Ends Well

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.

May 18, 20171 hr 22 min

Episode 5 - The Rolling Calf

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)!

May 11, 20171 hr 26 min

Episode 4 - The White Witch of Rose Hall

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!

May 04, 20171 hr 8 min

Episode 3 - Psychics

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

Apr 27, 20171 hr 1 minEp. 3

Episode 1 - Hoaxes

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

Apr 13, 20171 hr 19 minEp. 1