Ben Radford, Celestia Ward and Pascual Romero

Squaring the Strange

Society EN ↓ 290 episodes

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.

Author

Ben Radford, Celestia Ward and Pascual Romero

Episodes

Episode 15 - In Defense of Pedantry 20.07.2017 1:05:35

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...

Episode 14 - Stonehenge Surprise: The Best Case for Crop Circles 13.07.2017 1:14:32

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!

Episode 13 - Uphill Both Ways 06.07.2017 1:08:44

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.

Episode 12 - The Mirror in the Last Haunted House 29.06.2017 1:06:26

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!

Episode 11 - Gambling Superstitions with Celestia 22.06.2017 1:00:14

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!

Episode 10 - Of Emperors and Clothes 15.06.2017 59:33

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!

Episode 9 - Until the Light Takes Us 08.06.2017 1:09:32

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.

Episode 8 - Popobawa-da-vida 01.06.2017 1:23:35

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!

Episode 7 - Stop, Corroborate and Listen 25.05.2017 1:29:19

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!

Episode 6 - Roswell That Ends Well 18.05.2017 1:22:02

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.

Episode 5 - The Rolling Calf 11.05.2017 1:26:01

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)!

Episode 4 - The White Witch of Rose Hall 04.05.2017 1:08:25

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!

Episode 3 - Psychics 27.04.2017 1:01:11

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

Episode 2 - What Are We Skeptical About? 20.04.2017 1:15:29

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

Episode 1 - Hoaxes 13.04.2017 1:18:50

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