Best Ben Radford Podcasts (2024)

1
Episode 36 - ENFORCERS - Courtney Lawes and Jim on Champions Cup QFs, Springbok Drama & UFC 1:06:56

15m ago1:06:56

1:06:56

We have a genuine enforcer back on the Pod this week as Big Courts joins Jim to look back at all the Champions Cup Quarter-finals, including his own game versus the Bulls, and Lesinter's demolition of reigning champions La Rochelle. The lads give their take on the latest episode of Chasing the Sun and how Courtney would react to Rassie's unusual co…

1
Episode 224.5 - Bonus episode! Our 6th anniversary! 59:39

2h ago59:39

59:39

This freebie bonus is us shooting the breeze, thanking folks who deserve kudos, asking some questions about skepticism today, and generally having a good time.

1
Episode 35 - Louis Rees-Zammit Joins The Pod + Champions Cup Make or Break with Dan Biggar 1:19:10

14h ago1:19:10

1:19:10

We're going big this week with Dan Biggar flying over to our studio from the South of France, and man of the moment Louis Rees-Zammit joining following the massive announcement that he's heading to the Superbowl Champions Kansas City Cheifs. We'll hear how the move came about, how NFL training compares to Rugby, how much players get paid, and what …

201
Episode 224 - A Grab Bag of Springtime Skepticism 1:14:39

4d ago1:14:39

1:14:39

We chat about several topics in the news recently, from a bright streak of burning space junk over Los Angeles to a very realistic crucifixion reenactment in the Philippines. Ben unravels a weeping Madonna story in the tabloids that also casts some shade on a prominent Italian skeptic, then he gives us his review of "Late Night with the Devil," set…

1
Episode 34 - Glory Hunting with the Kansas City Chiefs, Premiership Dogfight, and Champions Cup Returns 1:07:00

8d ago1:07:00

1:07:00

The lads give their take on the massive news, not just in Rugby, with LRZ signing for Superbowl Champions Kansas City Chiefs. We’ll be discussing a crazy weekend in the Premiership with nothing to choose between the top 8 teams. We'll also take a look at a top of the table win for Leinster over the Bulls in the URC and throw ahead to a mouth-wateri…

1
Episode 33 - Cockers Calls Out Warren G, and England's Chandler Cunningham-South in Studio 1:16:38

15d ago1:16:38

1:16:38

Domestic rugby is back with Saracens turning the heat up against Quins and Gloucester claiming an emotional Ed Slater Cup against Leicester. TMO Andy makes a return around the controversy in the booth with Austin Healy's commentary. Plus, we're delighted to be joined by one of the brightest stars in English rugby in Quins backrow Chandler Cunningha…

1
Episode 223 - Deception Studies with Curt Anderson 1:41:22

18d ago1:41:22

1:41:22

After some current events involving Brazilian ex-president Bolsonaro, a new study on Havana Syndrome, and migrants with measles in Chicago, we are joined by Curt Anderson. A career magician turned academic researcher, Curt tells us about his pivot to deception studies. Piggybacking on our recent episode about Truth Default Theory, we explore more a…

1
W6N Preview - With Red Roses Ellie Kildunne & Jess Breach 41:39

20d ago41:39

41:39

With the Women's Six Nations kicking off this weekend, we're delighted to be joined by two England superstars in Ellie Kildunne & Jess Breach to preview this year's tournament and talk about their careers. Presenter Laura Winter interviews the two Red Roses about their journey so far, the Rugby World Cup, their biggest rivalries, initiations, team …

1
Episode 32 - Six Nations Wrap & Team of the Tournament with Dan Biggar 1:12:48

22d ago1:12:48

1:12:48

After a hell of a grand finale in the Six Nations, the lads sum up the final round of action with Ireland claiming back-to-back championships. While most Welsh fans are in hiding, Dan Biggar braves the Pod to give his take on where Welsh rugby really is, and what next for Gats and his men. We'll also be discussing Italy's best ever championship, as…

1
Episode 31 - How England Defeated the 'World's Best Team' with Bernard Jackman PLUS England U20's Captain Finn Carnduff 1:19:14

29d ago1:19:14

1:19:14

England managed to produce one of their best performances in recent memory this weekend at Twickenham, stealing the game away from Ireland in the dying moments - the lads, joined by former Ireland International and expert analyst Bernard Jackman, dissect the game with an open cloth. Big Jim vents his frustrations with Scotland following their loss …

1
Book author Dustin Severs sits down with OTSG! 59:00

1M ago59:00

59:00

On this episode of “On the Shoulders of Giants- Talking Old Timers with Thomas Steenburg”, Thomas and Julie sit down with Dustin Severs to talk about his new book “The Abominable Snowman of California: Giant Footprints, Wooden Stompers, and the Making of an American Legend”. The book tells the story of some of the more colorful and sometimes hilari…

1
After the Episode | S2E10 (No-clipping Reality) 51:22

30d ago51:22

51:22

Perry & Mason catch up after the production of Season Two! Alas, Perry's audio track suffered some stuttering - but the gang reconvenes to debrief after a chaotic and wonderful adventure. Things we mentioned: How chaotically this episode came together, and we hint vaguely about a bunch of really cool stuff we almost did - and will be doing in the f…

1
Episode 222 - Modifying the Weather 1:20:52

1M ago1:20:52

1:20:52

First, Pascual and Celestia hit recent science news -- a sideways lunar landing, some male-on-male humpback whale action, and recent cell outages. Then Ben and Celestia look at weather modification, from prayer and superstition to very real cloud-seeding efforts. Though in practice almost everywhere for generations, this technology still surprises …

1
Episode 30 - Lost Vegas, England v Ireland Preview, Rumors Flying & Leicester's Dan McKellar 1:11:28

1M ago1:11:28

1:11:28

With one of the biggest games of the season coming up this weekend, the lads give some insight into the England camp ahead of their showdown with Ireland in Twickenham. Goodey gives his take on how he thinks England needs to play to have a chance against the form team in world rugby. We also take a look at Scotland's trip to Rome and what to expect…

1
No-Clipping Reality (Liminal Spaces & Possibility) 44:04

1M ago44:04

44:04

No-Clipping Reality (Liminal Spaces & Possibility) Out of the frying pan, and into the... backrooms, I guess? Welcome to the final episode of Digital Folklore's second season! We hope you've enjoyed the ride so far. Perry and Mason wander through endless, yellow, dank, decrepit hallways. Will they find Digby? Will Todd find them? What's going on? W…

1
Episode 29 - Drama in Lille, England's Evolution, Scottish Stranglehold & Dan Biggar is Back 1:09:22

1M ago1:09:22

1:09:22

What a weekend. The drama! Loads to get through this week - what the hell happened in those closing moments down in France?! Scotland’s stranglehold on the Calcutta Cup & Ireland just dominating everyone. Plus our mate Dan Biggar is here! So settle back, enjoy, and make sure you’re subscribed on Spotify. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podc…

1
Episode 221 - What Giant Penguins Can Teach Us, with Daniel Loxton 1:29:07

2M ago1:29:07

1:29:07

First, Ben and Celestia have several tidbits to discuss, from Micheal Mann's court win to chemtrails popping up in social media. Ben is watching another cult docuseries, and we get into the unfortunate trend of obituary pirating. For our main segment, we are joined by the delightful Daniel Loxton, illustrator, author, editor and longtime skeptic lu…

1
Episode 28 - Calcutta Cup Preview, France Faulter & Zach Mercer on his England Exile 1:13:26

2M ago1:13:26

1:13:26

Massive weekend coming up in the Six Nations this week with the Calcutta Cup, Ireland looking to remain on course for the Slam, and France looking to recover some form. PLUS we’re joined by a number 8 who’s been tearing up trees for years but is seemingly stuck in England Exile… Zach Mercer. The lads also invite some new friends from the Army into …

1
Episode 27 - Scottish Fury, England Find a Way, & Courtney Lawes joins the Pod 1:18:43

2M ago1:18:43

1:18:43

The lads are joined by England centurion Courtney Lawes this week as we pick the bones out of a painful and controversial last-gasp defeat for Scotland in Murrayfield. We’ll also take a look at an ugly but important win for England, some bright shoots for Wales, and a procession for Ireland in Dublin. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcast…

1
Episode 220 - You are gonna believe this: Truth Default Theory 1:21:37

2M ago1:21:37

1:21:37

After some chit-chat about vaccine misinfo on X and "phrogging" on Netflix, the gang tackles truth default theory. Coined by researcher Timothy Levine, truth default theory explains that human beings generally believe what we're told. Why? This seemingly simple concept plays a part in anchoring bias, first impressions, stereotypes, confirmation bia…

1
Nikki Colon from west Texas joins OTSG! 1:01:00

2M ago1:01:00

1:01:00

"On the Shoulders of Giants- Talking Old Timers with Thomas Steenburg" welcomes podcast host and researcher Nikki Colon from west Texas. Nikki is the host of the podcast show "Sasquatch Secrets", founded in 2021. On her show she and her guests discuss Bigfoot hoaxers, liars and the insanity that can encompass the Bigfoot research arena. She has bee…

1
Episode 26 - Scotland Scare, Ireland Impress, England Evolve? And Italy's Gladiator Michele Lamaro 1:08:58

2M ago1:08:58

1:08:58

How good is the Six Nations?! We’ll be analysing all the action from the first round including what was nearly one of the greatest Welsh comebacks of all time. With Scotland holding on for a rare win in Cardiff, Jim revels in the fact that Gregor's men are technically still on for the Slam. We'll take a look at an epic Irish win in France and how S…

1
After the Episode | S2E9 (Unwrapping our Presence) 35:03

2M ago35:03

35:03

Perry & Mason catch up after the production of the last episode! Things we mentioned: Perry & Mason discuss their most/least favorite emoji, their favorite contemporary legends, and their own embarrassing browser histories! Todd is real, and cursed Mason's editing computer. Mason reveals that he owns PregnantSonic.com, which points to the patreon p…

1
Unwrapping Our Presence (Folklorist Favorites) 47:07

2M ago47:07

47:07

Unwrapping Our Presence (Folklorist Favorites) Trapped by local small business owner, Todd, the gang attempts a daring escape. However, the fabric of this reality seems to be unraveling around them. Will they escape? Is this how they ended up driving off a cliff? Is Digby going to set off on his own, or stick with the crew? Tune in for all the answ…

1
Episode 25 - The Pod Gets Biggar with a Welsh Legend, Plus Springbok Giant, RG Snyman! 1:17:41

2M ago1:17:41

1:17:41

We've got a couple of big additions this week ahead of the start of the Six Nations, with Welsh legend Dan Biggar joining the lads to preview the tournament and give some incredible insight into Gats, the Welsh squad, who his favourite referee was, and playing against Finn, Sexton and Smith. We also look at how England should approach the tournamen…

1
Episode 219 - Ai yie yie! AI Roundtable with Kyle Polich 1:43:30

3M ago1:43:30

1:43:30

We've had this scheduled for a while, but this week AI popped up in the news twice, impersonating George Carlin and Joe Biden, so what better time for a skeptical look at artificial intelligence! Kyle Polich of the long-running Data Skeptic Podcast joins Ben, Celestia and Pascual to talk about different sorts of AI. From generative AI threatening w…

1
Dr. Ian Brodie | Unplugged 51:04

3M ago51:04

51:04

Unplugged episodes are where we ditch all the fancy production and story elements and bring you the raw (or slightly edited) interviews with folklore experts. On today’s episode, Mason & Perry got to speak with Ian Brodie. Dr. Brodie leads us through a fascinating discussion about humor, absurdism, dad jokes, improv, and the human condition. Ok, le…

1
Episode 24 - Rees-Lightening hits the U.S, All New Six Nations Captains and Toulouse' & England's Jack Willis 1:15:58

3M ago1:15:58

1:15:58

Hell of a week with lots of news as we near this year's Six Nations. The lads discuss LRZs big move to chase his dream in the NFL and what it means for rugby. We also take a look at another sport as Jim takes some credit for the new Saffa UFC World Champion Dricus Du Plessis. The lads give their take on the new Six Nations captains heading into thi…

1
Episode 23 - Six Nations Squads, Champions Cup Jeopardy & a Big Debut 1:08:19

3M ago1:08:19

1:08:19

With the Six Nations squads set to be announced, the lads get their hairy crystal balls out to predict what the England squad might look like, who's replacing Johnny Sexton and captaining Ireland, and what surprise names we might see in Scotland's squad. We’ll also be discussing all the best action from Round 3 of the Champions Cup and working out …

1
After the Episode | S2E8 (The Death of Meaning) 40:48

3M ago40:48

40:48

Perry & Mason catch up after the production of the last episode. Things we mentioned: We are joined again by our interview editor and all around great guy, Matthew Bliss! Let's talk about Todd We forecast the upcoming 'Unplugged Episode' with Ian Brodie Mason says, "I'm gonna say absolutely nothing useful" and then shares something mildly interesti…

1
Episode 218 - Requiem for Bigfoot 1:22:53

3M ago1:22:53

1:22:53

Quite a few news topics hit our skeptical radar this week, from Disney's copyright expiration on Mickey to an industrious Welsh mouse (no relation), to a 10-foot-tall alien in Miami and Ben's bittersweet discovery in a Barnes and Noble. Then our main topic is an overview of Bigfoot -- the biggest, footiest member of the cryptid family. Ben gives a …

1
Episode 22 - New Year Predictions, Faz's Future, & Rugby League Legend Lee Radford 1:13:14

3M ago1:13:14

1:13:14

Happy New Year to the millions, we’re back for a big 2024! The lads will be getting their crystal ball out and giving their predictions for the year ahead, we'll be looking at Owen Farrell’s potential French Future, as well as taking a look at the best of the prem action this weekend and URC over the Christmas period. The lads will also be giving t…

1
The Death of Meaning (Gen Z Humor, Absurdism, & Trust in Platforms) 51:51

3M ago51:51

51:51

The Death of Meaning (Gen Z Humor, Absurdism, & Trust in Platforms) The gang reconvenes! Perry & Mason venture once again into Todd's Pawn Shop, just in time for "Dada December" - but it would seem that the prices aren't the only unbelievable thing there... In This Episode: Two familiar voices! Why is Gen Z humor so absurd? Or... is it even that un…

1
Episode 217 - Dark Play with Libby Tucker 1:36:49

4M ago1:36:49

1:36:49

For our last episode of the year, after Ben lists his upcoming appearances and a nice book accolade, and after Celestia discusses "Skibidi Toilet Syndrome," we speak with Prof. Libby Tucker about dark play. Existing in the liminal spaces of childhood, forbidden yet alluring, dark play takes many forms. Rituals, tests of bravery or belief, chants an…

1
Ben Radford | Unplugged 59:50

4M ago59:50

59:50

Welcome to Digital Folklore Unplugged! Unplugged episodes are where we ditch all the fancy production and story elements and bring you the raw (or slightly edited) interviews with folklore experts. On this episode, Perry & Mason sit down with Ben Radford to get the lowdown on creepy clowns, media literacy, the influence of folklore, and the psychol…

1
A Special Holiday Message for You 8:38

4M ago8:38

8:38

Happy Holidays! Everyone here at Digital Folklore wants to extend their holiday well-wishes, as well as a special reading of a classic Christmas poem. Thank you, for everything. We wouldn't be here if it weren't for you! Happy holidays, happy new year, and to all a good night. 🗣 Join our Discord community 💁‍♀️ Support us on Patreon 🕸 Sign-up for ou…

1
Episode 21 - Christmas Finale, Johann van Graan on Bath & Boks, and Andy Rowe Says His Final Farewell 1:07:42

4M ago1:07:42

1:07:42

It's our last episode of the year and it's also Andy Rowe's grand finale as he moves back to New Zealand, so the lads reminisce on the past eight years, from cat food to fish food. We’ll also be looking at another hectic weekend of Champions Cup rugby as a few English clubs excelled again and a few other sides bounced back from disappointment in Ro…

1
Episode 216 - Absinthe, Murder and Panic 1:08:47

4M ago1:08:47

1:08:47

After some discussion on a recent shooting in Las Vegas, Alex Jones being let back onto Twitter/X, and Napoleon's height, we dive into a look back at Absinthe. This exotic liquor has a surprisingly rich history filled with danger, exaggeration, fraud and propaganda. From it's supposed creativity-enhancing powers to its effect of bringing about madn…

1
Episode 20 - Champions Cup Dream Team, Jim gets Tapped out by a UFC Superstar & Australia and Toulouse's Richie Arnold 1:08:40

4M ago1:08:40

1:08:40

The Champions Cup is back and even better. We’ll be reviewing a bumper opening weekend of rugby with six big wins for Premiership teams and some payback for Lesinter in La Rochelle. Jim was down in South Africa to watch Sarries play the Bulls in Pretoria, and he also drops in on UFC superstar Dricus Du Plessis who teaches him a thing or two about M…

1
Digital Folklore: The Journey So Far 56:12

4M ago56:12

56:12

In this special catch-up episode, Digital Folklore podcast creators Perry Carpenter and Mason Amadeus have a candid chat about the show so far. They spill behind-the-scenes secrets about unexpected plot twists, their creative process for audio storytelling, and how they brought this modern folklore to life. You'll also learn some fun and interestin…

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