My new Discovery News article on the psychological and political motivations behind some conspiracy theories is out, you can see it HERE. You can find more on me and my work with a search for "Benjamin Radford" (not "Ben Radford") on Vimeo.
Folklore
New ‘Skeptical Inquirer’ Column: Have You Seen the Toucan Man?
In my column in the new issue of Skeptical Inquirer I investigate a report of a mysterious Costa Rican "Toucan Man" said to abduct children. Lots of interesting folklore in this one, check it out on newsstands now! You can find more on me and my work with a search for...
Media Appearance: The Jon McComb Show/CKNW radio Vancouver on Superstitions
I was interviewed live on The Jon McComb Show on CKNW radio in Vancouver BC, talking about superstitions.... you can see the piece HERE! You can find more on me and my work with a search for "Benjamin Radford" (not "Ben Radford") on Vimeo.
The Magic of Used Spellbooks
Bought a used book on magic for my library, noticed the previous owner's attempt at writing a spell on the last page.... You can find more on me and my work with a search for "Benjamin Radford" (not "Ben Radford") on Vimeo.
The Jersey Devil Reappears! (Kind Of)
Last month a blogger for NJ.com shared a photo of a bizarre, somewhat goatlike silhouetted winged form in the sky. Despite several obvious signs that the anonymously submitted photo is faked, it went viral and has been widely shared on social media as long-sought...
Creepy Clowns Stalk UK Kids
Last month reports have surfaced in England of people dressed as clowns stalking and trying to abduct — or at the very least scaring — children. I gave a presentation on this topic earlier this year for the International Society for Contemporary Legend Research. My...
A Look at the Origin of Superstitions
Black cats and broken mirrors, my oh my! I'm quoted in a recent Yahoo News piece on the origins of various superstitions... you can read it HERE. You can find more on me and my work with a search for "Benjamin Radford" (not "Ben Radford") on Vimeo.
Interviewed For Article on Psychology of Ghost Beliefs
I was recently interviewed for an article on why people believe in ghosts; you can read it HERE.
Study: Sex Offenders Not a Halloween Threat
From the Radford Files archives: Each year at Halloween, parents have concerns about trick-or-treating, and many believe that a danger far graver than chocolate overdose awaits their children in quiet neighborhoods: sex offenders. This scare is fueled by alarmist news...
Reality Check: Is America ‘Numb’ to Mass Shootings?
In the wake of a shooting at Oregon’s Umpqua Community College that left at least ten people dead, President Obama held a press conference in which he stated that “Somehow, this has become routine. The reporting is routine. My response here at this podium ends up...