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The Checkup explores anything and everything related to employee benefits, health insurance and healthcare to help employers who offer benefits to their employees.
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The Official Heisman Trophy Podcast, hosted by Chris Huston (AKA The Heisman Pundit) features weekly conversations with college football’s top Heisman candidates, in-depth stories about the trophy’s history, plus a focus on the Heisman Trophy Trust and its charitable efforts. The show streams every Wednesday during the college football season and through the Heisman Trophy ceremony. Be sure to follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and Threads @HeismanTrophy. Video segments of the show wi ...
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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.
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Episode 231 - Monster Hunts, then and now, with Daniel Loxton
1:30:45
1:30:45
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First we discuss how the term “Gish gallop” has entered the common vernacular thanks to the recent Presidential debate. Then Ben ponders why conspiracy buffs don’t care about the admitted, real Boeing conspiracy, or why psychics can’t offer up explanations for the Rust killing. Celestia gets excited about folklore in pop culture: namely, “The Crook…
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Episode 230 - Pseudoarchaeology and Misinformation in Chicano Studies, with Kurly Tlapoyawa
1:39:04
1:39:04
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First, Ben and Celestia discuss the epidemiology of extreme heat, mysterious mololiths redux, the latest Real Water lawsuit, and the origins of a 50-year-old rumor about Mama Cass. Then Pascual joins us to interview Kurly Tlapoyawa -- stunt man, filmmaker, archaeologist, and cohost of "Tales from Azlantis." He tells us about cutting through jungles…
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Episode 229 - Skepticamp, Spiders, and the West Palm Beach Killer Clown Case
1:19:09
1:19:09
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We start with a recap of SkeptiCamp New Mexico, then move on to a laundry list of creepy, crawly creatures: Alex Jones, flying Joro spiders, bug zappers, opposite snakes and Sasquatch Sunset. Our main topic is an update to one of the cases in Ben's "Bad Clowns" book. The West Palm Beach Killer Clown case involves a love triangle, a clown costume, a…
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Episode 228 - The Science of Weird Sh!t, with Chris French
1:44:11
1:44:11
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Celestia and Ben have a lengthy A-segment, between discussing the almost-here SkeptiCamp, Ben's recent folklore convention, and what mischief TV psychic Allison DuBois has been up to. We have thoughts on the recently deceased Morgan Spurlock's legacy, and then talk about two interesting developments from the Catholic Church this week. Professor Chr…
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Episode 227 - Book bans, then and now
1:11:57
1:11:57
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Ben and Celestia roll out an abbreviated history of book bans and the psychology behind them. What sorts of fears manifest into the desire to keep information away from people? And which people? Is the current rash of book challenges a panic, or is the fear of such bans a panic? We start this episode with a solid opinion, then find ways to knock th…
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Episode 226 - Dim Mak "the death touch" with Peter Huston
1:46:59
1:46:59
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Can a human being be killed with one well-timed blow? Without question, yes. But is the secret to this fighting style held by ancient Chinese monks, or a flamboyant guy named Count Dante who advertises in the back of comic books? We look at real situations where one punch (or slap, or chiropractic adjustment) can kill a person, either immediately o…
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Episode 225 - The folklore of Scooby Doo, with Mark Norman
1:31:44
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We have a surprise visit from Scooby fan Kenny Biddle, then speak with Mark Norman, folklorist and author of the upcoming "Zoinks!: The Spooky Folklore of Scooby Doo." The show is beloved by skeptics, and for good reason. But did you know the show owes its existence to a panic in the 1960s about violence in kids' shows? Between guest stars like the…
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Episode 224.5 - Bonus episode! Our 6th anniversary!
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59:39
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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.
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Episode 224 - A Grab Bag of Springtime Skepticism
1:14:39
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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…
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Episode 223 - Deception Studies with Curt Anderson
1:41:22
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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…
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Episode 222 - Modifying the Weather
1:20:52
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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 …
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Episode 221 - What Giant Penguins Can Teach Us, with Daniel Loxton
1:29:07
1:29:07
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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…
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Episode 220 - You are gonna believe this: Truth Default Theory
1:21:37
1:21:37
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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…
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Episode 219 - Ai yie yie! AI Roundtable with Kyle Polich
1:43:30
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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…
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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 …
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Episode 217 - Dark Play with Libby Tucker
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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…
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Episode 216 - Absinthe, Murder and Panic
1:08:47
1:08:47
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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…
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2023 Heisman Trophy Winner Jayden Daniels
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Send us a Text Message. Newly-crowned Heisman winner Jayden Daniels of LSU joined the podcast the morning after the ceremony to talk about his journey and how his life is already changing. We also caught up with AP college football writer Ralph Russo, who reflected on his 20 years covering Heisman weekend. Finally, Mike Colleran, the Senior Vice Pr…
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BONUS POD: The 2023 Heisman Trophy Finalists
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Send us a Text Message. On Saturday morning, with the 2023 Heisman ceremony looming, we sat down with Jayden Daniels of LSU, Marvin Harrison, Jr., of Ohio State, Bo Nix of Oregon and Michael Penix, Jr., of Washington to get their thoughts on their experiences so far as Heisman finalists. The Official Heisman Trophy Podcast is available on all your …
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Heisman Week 101 featuring Don Criqui and David Frum
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Send us a Text Message. With the four Heisman finalists selected for 2023, we take a deep dive into the trophy's history. What is a Heisman finalist? Did you know that Herschel Walker, John Elway and Eric Dickerson were the first Heisman finalists? How does the Heisman vote work? Did you know that LSU's Joe Burrow holds the record for the largest H…
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Episode 215 - Dallas Zoo Animal Disappearances, with Kristina Downs
1:17:16
1:17:16
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First Ben and Celestia discuss genetically modified potatoes, cougar kitties, and cocaine hippos. Then we are joined by Dr. Kristina Downs of the Texas Folklore Society to talk about a curious case that occurred in January 2023. A series of incidents at the Dallas Zoo escalated from a wandering clouded leopard to a critically endangered vulture tur…
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Send us a Text Message. Miami 1992 Heisman Trophy winner Gino Torretta joins the podcast to talk about the recent retirement of his jersey, the story of how he ended up in Coral Gables, how the Canes would have beaten UW in 1991, the difference between Jimmy Johnson and Dennis Erickson and what he thinks of the current state of college football (am…
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Send us a Text Message. With Heisman votes for this year's award set to go out on November 27, Heisman Trophy winner Barry Sanders of Oklahoma State comes on the show to talk about his new Amazon Prime documentary Bye Bye Barry. He also takes a deep dive into his incredible, record-breaking 1988 season. If you love college football history, this an…
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Ben and Celestia discuss conspiracies, real and unreal, the conspiracy-backed arguments from a high-profile defense lawyer, a superconductor article retraction, and Barbra's opinion on the Streisand Effect. Then, gargoyles! How do these imposing gothic carvings differ from grotesques, and what do they do -- both functionally and symbolically? Who c…
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Send us a Text Message. Crimson Tide sophomore quarterback Jalen Milroe joins the Official Heisman Trophy Podcast to talk about Alabama's improvement and how his early-season benching was an opportunity. With three games left to play, he wants to Let All Naysayers Know that the Tide is back in business. The show closes out with one of the greatest …
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Hall of Fame Basketball Coach Mike Krzyzewski
48:58
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Send us a Text Message. Hall of Famer and 5-time national champion basketball coach Mike Krzyzewski of Duke University joins the Official Heisman Trophy Podcast to discuss his efforts with the Emily K Center in Durham, North Carolina. The 2022 Heisman Humanitarian Award winner also reflects on life after basketball and gives his thoughts on confere…
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Episode 213 - Gef the Talking Mongoose, with Sharon Hill
1:41:48
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First, Celestia goes over her high points and low points of CSI Con 2023, then we move on to a few tidbits Ben came across. Sharon Hill joins us again, this time for a main segment on Gef the talking mongoose, a celebrity on the Isle of Man back in the 1930s. A new movie delves into (and somewhat mangles) the mystery, featuring Simon Pegg as Nandor…
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Special Teams: Iowa P Tory Taylor & USC PR Zachariah Branch
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Send us a Text Message. This week's episode focuses on special teams as Iowa All-American punter Tory Taylor joins the show to talk about his journey from Melbourne, Australia to the Big Ten while teaching us a thing or two about punting. He's followed by USC all-purpose dynamo Zachariah Branch, who explains his fearless approach to returning punts…
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Send us a Text Message. Heisman Trophy candidate Jayden Daniels comes on the show to discuss his overall improvement since landing in Baton Rouge, his favorite moments at LSU so far, and why sometimes he just can't slide like his coaches want him to. Then it's the story of 1959 LSU Heisman Trophy winner Billy Cannon and his famous punt return again…
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Episode 212 - The Rise and Fall of Slenderman, with Andrea Kitta
1:18:52
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First we discuss a few skepticism-adjacent current events: the recent Colorado train spotting of Bigfoot, RFK Jr.'s bid for the presidency, and a new lawsuit naming "Sound of Freedom" hero Tim Ballard as a sexual predator who paid a psychic to help groom his victims. Then we dive into Slenderman, or "Slendy" as his friends know him. Professor Andre…
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