In my line of work, I routinely encounter events said to be inexplicable. They’re not merely amazing or incredible but downright unexplained. At times the topics I research are even said to be “beyond science” (whatever that would mean)....
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New book: Big—If True: Adventures in Oddity
Big—If True is a collection of my Skeptical Inquirer magazine columns, guiding readers on a science-based (yet open-minded) examination of 70 fascinating and mysterious topics. Drawing on two decades of first-hand research, Big—If Trueexamines dozens of mysteries...
Signed and numbered limited edition of Big—If True!
As I did with previous books I’m offering the first 50 copies of my new book Big—If True for pre-sale. Big—If True is a collection of my Skeptical Inquirer magazine columns, guiding readers on a science-based (yet open-minded) examination of 70 fascinating and...
Lessons From The Space Shuttle Challenger
In 1986, the space shuttle Challenger exploded 73 seconds after takeoff from Florida’s coast, an accident that laid bare not only institutional flaws in the application of high technology but also flaws in the public’s understanding of science. Many myths have emerged...
X Zone Radio Show Appearance
I was recently a guest on the X Zone Radio show, using the clever pseudonym "Benjamin Bradford." We talked about various things ranging from the origins of Halloween to the psychology of ghosts to my investigation into the Chase Vault moving coffins mystery! You can...
10/22 Talk for the Santa Fe Public Library: The Haunted KiMo Theater!
The KiMo Theater in Albuquerque is one of New Mexico’s best-known ghost stories, and has been the subject of many articles, blogs, and TV shows. After a tragic accident in the 1950s claimed the life of a young boy, it is said that his spirit returned to the theater...
Holocaust Denial Headlines: Hatred, Ignorance, Or Innumeracy?
Americans, like everyone else, should ideally be more educated about history (and everything else). But no, a recent poll doesn't reveal that a significant percentage of Americans either deny the Holocaust or are largely ignorant about it. Here's a media literacy take...
Squaring the Strange # 130: The Bangladesh Toilet Ghost: A Study in Mass Hysteria
If you want a break from bad news: The new episode of Squaring the Strange is now out. This week we discuss the Bangladesh Toilet Ghost. Or, rather ONE OF several Bangladeshi toilet ghosts. I bring cultural and social context and a surprising history about factory...
Guest Appearance on Unexplained Inc.!
My podcasty co-host Celestia and I were recently interviewed on a podcast called Unexplained Inc., on skepticism, investigation, Squaring the Strange, and other oddness. You can listen HERE!
Covert Anti-Vaccination In ‘Children’s Health Defense’
News and social media are awash with information about the COVID-19 pandemic. Unfortunately much of what’s shared on social media about COVID-19 is false, misleading, or speculative. From the White House to the CDC, conspiracy cranks to Goop contributors, it’s a...