Skeptoid Media

10/04/2026

Twenty years ago today, the very first Skeptoid episode went out into the world. 🎉

https://skeptoid.com/episodes/1

We had no idea if anyone would listen. Then you showed up. You sent in topic ideas, corrected our mistakes, argued with us (politely, mostly), and shared episodes with that one friend who really needed to hear them.
1,000+ episodes later, you’re the reason we’re still here, still weekly, still asking “but is it actually true?”
Thank you for 20 years. Here’s to the next 20.

Religion is not necessary for a good moral center.

09/21/2026

Tag a student who'd jump at the chance to explore real history and real science in the field. 🧑‍🎓

This 7-day Skeptoid Adventure takes Brian Dunning and a group of skeptics deep into the Maya Peninsula, uncovering the true story behind ancient myths and legends.

A generous donor has made partial scholarships possible for those who need a little help getting there — including students looking for a hands-on learning experience outside the classroom.

👉 Apply or pass it along: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScqzV20fGymka8D8LI0O7wAIL2lX0HepK9xy5Ner1NMlDyihQ/viewform?usp=publish-editor

Only a few scholarships left — apply now!

Scholarship Application

09/04/2026

Ever wondered what's myth and what's real in the story of the Maya? 🗿

This year's Skeptoid Adventure takes Brian Dunning and a group of curious skeptics on a 7-day, hands-on expedition through the Maya Peninsula, separating true history from popular legend.

Thanks to a generous donor, we're able to offer a limited number of partial scholarships for anyone who wants to join but can't quite cover the ticket price.

👉 Apply here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScqzV20fGymka8D8LI0O7wAIL2lX0HepK9xy5Ner1NMlDyihQ/viewform?usp=publish-editor

Only a few scholarships available, so apply soon!

08/20/2026

Fun fact for National Aviation Day: the rules for “first flight” were written after the Wright Brothers had already flown 40 km — so their flights didn’t even qualify. Brazil’s Santos-Dumont got the official credit three years later, for a much shorter flight.

The full, tangled story: Skeptoid #545, “First in Flight” 👇

You always thought the Wright Brothers were the first to fly a plane? Well, it depends what country you're from.

07/03/2026

ForWorld UFO Day — we have something big to announce. 👽

Skeptoid Media is producing Alien Echoes, a new documentary that takes on the Fermi Paradox head on. Where are the aliens? Frank Drake tried to calculate the odds in 1961. We're going deeper — interviewing leading physicists, astronomers, and astrobiologists to interrogate every variable, every theory, and every rational explanation for why the universe seems so quiet.

This is the UFO conversation you've been waiting for. No pop-culture noise. Just rigorous, curious science.

Crowdfunding is live now with cool perks available. Come help us find the answer.
👉

Alien Echoes: An upcoming feature documentary film from Skeptoid Media.

06/19/2026

What’s better than one Skeptoid Adventure? Two — back to back. 🎷🏛️

This December, Brian Dunning kicks off in New Orleans with local expert Chris Perley for a 2-night French Quarter experience unlike any other. Then it’s straight to the ancient Maya world with archaeologist Kurly Tlapoyawa — 7 nights in Cozumel, Roatán, and Harvest Caye separating legend from history at every stop.

Book both and save $500. Plus the Early Bird deadline has been extended to June 22nd — that’s another $200 off per person on each Adventure.

Your call — one, the other, or the full double feature.
👉

Discover the world's most amazing places with knowledgeable guides and all of your new best like-minded skeptical friends.

06/12/2026

What’s better than one Skeptoid Adventure? Two — back to back. 🎷🏛️

This December, Brian Dunning kicks off in New Orleans with local expert Chris Perley for a 2-day French Quarter experience unlike any other. Ghosts, vampires, voodoo queens, jazz, beignets, and the city’s iconic above-ground cemeteries — all get the Skeptoid treatment.
Then it’s straight to the ancient Maya world with archaeologist Kurly Tlapoyawa — 7 nights exploring Cozumel, Roatán, and Harvest Caye, separating legend from history at every stop.
Book both and save $500. Your call — one, the other, or the full double feature.

👉 skeptoid.com/adventures

05/27/2026

Only 8 spots left at Early Bird pricing! 🐦

Join Brian Dunning and archaeologist Kurly Tlapoyawa for a 7-day Skeptoid Adventure through the ancient Maya world — Cozumel, Roatán, and Harvest Caye. Real history. Real science. Zero mythology left standing.
Deposit just $500 to reserve your spot. Save $200 per person if you book before June 15th.
👉 Only 8 spots left at Early Bird pricing! 🐦

Join Brian Dunning and archaeologist Kurly Tlapoyawa for a 7-day Skeptoid Adventure through the ancient Maya world — Cozumel, Roatán, and Harvest Caye. Real history. Real science. Zero mythology left standing.

Deposit just $500 to reserve your spot. Save $200 per person if you book before June 15th.
👉

Skeptoid event on December 6, 2026

04/21/2026

Sailing the Skeptical Seas is underway! If you were unable to join us for our sailing trip from Malaga to Nice check out our next dual adventure New Orleans & the Yucatán Peninsula!
https://skeptoid.org/adventures

04/01/2026

April Fools’ Day is the perfect time to appreciate the boldest hoaxes in history — like the scientist who fabricated vaccine research that fooled a top medical journal, or the farmer who built a fake petrified giant just to embarrass creationists. 😄 Some people really committed to the bit.

Skeptoid’s Episode #617 covers 10 of the greatest science hoaxes ever attempted. It’s a great listen and a good reminder to stay skeptical — even of the experts! 👉

A look at those few times when hoaxers came closest to fooling those who knew better.