The Skeptics' Guide to the Universe

The Skeptics' Guide to the Universe (SGU) is a weekly podcast hosted by Steven Novella, MD, along with a panel of "skeptical rogues." It is named to evoke The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy and is the official podcast of the New England Skeptical Society. The show features discussions of recent scientific developments in layman's terms, and interviews authors, people in the area of science, and other famous skeptics. The show also includes discussions of myths, conspiracy theories, pseudoscience, the paranormal, and many general forms of superstition, from the point of view of scientific skepticism. Steven Novella has been particularly active in debunking pseudoscience in medicine. His activities include opposing the claims of anti-vaccine activists, homeopathy practitioners and individuals denying the link between HIV and AIDS.[1][2][3]

For the book based on the podcast, see The Skeptics' Guide to the Universe (book).

The Skeptics' Guide to the Universe
Presentation
Hosted byDr. Steven Novella
Jay Novella
Bob Novella
Evan Bernstein
Cara Santa Maria
GenreScience and skepticism
UpdatesWeekly
Publication
Original releaseMay 4, 2005 – present
Websitewww.theskepticsguide.org

Hosts

Current hosts

All of the SGU hosts, with the exception of Jay Novella beginning in 2018, maintain careers separate from the podcast. The SGU contemplated hiring a full-time employee to meet the demands of a growing audience but was hindered due to a defamation lawsuit filed by Edward Tobinick that consumed financial resources that would have otherwise been available.[4]

The principal host of the show. He is an American clinical neurologist and assistant professor at Yale University School of Medicine.[5] He is the president of the New England Skeptical Society (NESS),[6] and is the author of the blog NeuroLogica. He is the executive editor for, and a regular contributor to, Science-Based Medicine, an influential and respected source of information about medical controversies and alternative medicine.[7][8][9][10][11]
  • Evan Bernstein
  • Cara Santa Maria (From July 25, 2015)
  • Robert "Bob" Novella
  • Jay Novella Jay Novella began as a software engineer, which led to a career building layer functionality behind websites and eventually into e-commerce. He created and maintains the SGU website. After 13 years with the SGU, he became their first full-time employee in 2018, resulting from reaching a Patreon target of 3,000 donors.[4][12][13]
  • Steve Novella, 2011
  • Evan Bernstein, 2015
  • Cara Santa Maria, 2014
  • Bob Novella (right) with prop during a live show, 2019
  • Jay Novella, 2015

Former hosts
On August 19, 2007, co-host DeAngelis died shortly before his 44th birthday after suffering from a number of chronic illnesses (most significantly scleroderma).[14] During the two weeks before his passing, DeAngelis phoned in his contribution to the Skeptical quote segment for which he was responsible at the time from his hospital room.
On December 27, 2014, co-host Watson announced that she has recorded her final show prior to leaving the organization.[15]
  • Perry DeAngelis, 2000
  • Rebecca Watson, 2009

Production

The show is prerecorded via a Skype conference call. Each caller records their own audio and then the individually recorded tracks are mixed together when Steven Novella edits the show in post-production. British comedian and skeptic Iszi Lawrence provides voice-over introductions for the show and certain segments. With Jay Novella becoming the first full-time employee with the SGU, his contribution to recording and production will increase, as will his responsibilities to growing the audience of the SGU through marketing, social media, and a newsletter.[4] Larger projects will be coordinated through him that will provide a more professional appearance in a timely manner that a larger audience demands.

SGU live recording at CSICon 2017 in Las Vegas. From left to right: Rachael Dunlop (guest), Evan Bernstein, Jay Novella, Steven Novella, Cara Santa Maria, and Bob Novella.

Segments
Opening
The Skeptics' Guide opens with Steven Novella introducing each panelist in attendance, typically leading to the retrospective segment "This Day in Skepticism". The panelists then discuss that week's top news stories of concern to skeptics. This is generally followed with answering of listener email.
"What's the Word"
Cara Santa Maria presents a technical word, discussing the history and etymology of the word and how it currently applies to various scientific disciplines.
The SGU at 2014 Australian Skeptics National Convention. From left to right: George Hrab, Evan Bernstein, Rebecca Watson, Steven Novella, Jay Novella, Bob Novella, and Richard Saunders.
"Forgotten Superheroes of Science"
Bob Novella describes a notable scientific figure from the past who is not well-known, ending with an encouragement to mention the figure to your friends when discussing their obscure area of expertise.
"Who's That Noisy?"
A sound clip is played for listeners to guess what, or who it is. This segment was originally hosted by Bernstein, but is currently hosted by Jay Novella. The first episode it appeared in was #181. The name comes from Steven's daughter who, when she was 2 years old, would say "who's that noisy" instead of "what's that noise?"
"A Quickie with Bob"
Any of the rogues (apart from Bob) can ask for 'a quickie with Bob' who will then address an issue of current scientific news. Tends to happen before the interview section in around one minute, to a set length piece of background music.
Interview
Most weeks the panel interview a guest skeptic or scientist.
"Science or Fiction"
Steven Novella presents the panelists with three recent stories of a scientific nature, one of which is fiction. The co-hosts then have to use their knowledge of science and skeptical senses to figure out which story is fiction. The fake story may either be a complete fabrication or based on a factual story with a critical detail changed to make it fictitious. "Science or Fiction" is occasionally themed, such that all stories discuss similar topics.
"Skeptical Quote"
The show closes with Jay Novella reading a quote from a famous person that is relevant to skepticism or science. Bob did the first skeptical quote although it wasn't really specific to any one of the rogues. ("Isaac Asimov. A scientist fiction writer of some note.") Jay announces the source in an exaggerated radio announcer voice. On May 10, 2008, host Steven Novella posted a survey on the SGU message board asking listeners if they preferred Jay read the source of the quote before or after the reading of the quote.[16] The voting is open ended.

Only since 2010, has the "Who's That Noisy?" segment been before the interview; pre-2010, it was just before the "Skeptical Quote".

Most podcasts last around 80 minutes but on September 23, 2011, SGU produced a 24-hour-long podcast with contributions by skeptics from around the world. It was referred to as SGU-24.

Occasional and defunct segments
"Guest Rogue"
Since the start of 2010, sometimes, instead of having an interview, the Skeptic's Guide will invite a "guest rogue" to be present throughout the show including the news and "Science or Fiction" segments, as if they were one of the cast.
"Skeptical Puzzle"
At the end of the show, Evan Bernstein used to present the listeners with a skeptical puzzle, usually about some person or topic within the field of pseudoscience. Occasionally the puzzle was presented in verse, and on Episode 96 it was presented as if by a fictional skeptical rapper Kom’n Cents.[17] Listeners would answer the puzzle via email or on the message board. Recognition (albeit no actual cash prize or gift) was given the following week to the first person to correctly answer the puzzle. The Skeptical puzzle has been discontinued since episode #130 to allow Evan to concentrate on other areas including SGU 5x5, though he has since occasionally offered a logic puzzle in lieu of "Who's That Noisy?".
This Day in History
Until 2015, the first segment after introductions was a description of a historical event of scientific or skeptical importance whose anniversary falls on the date of recording or the date the podcast is released.
"Randi Speaks"
As of September 20, 2006, James Randi joined the podcast providing a pre-recorded commentary segment called "Randi Speaks". Randi, a professional magician and skeptic, expounds upon a topic on his mind for that week which may or may not have to do with skeptical matters. The segment disappeared for a period but returned for the August 8, 2007 episode with a different format. Instead of Randi delivering a prepared essay, an SGU host asks Randi a question which Randi then answers and expands upon.
"Name That Logical Fallacy"
Steven Novella regularly presents the panelists with a recent argument, usually of a pseudoscientific nature, that has either appeared in recent news or has been submitted by listeners for consideration. The panelists are challenged to point out the flaws in the presented argument, with specific references to any logical fallacies employed. The segment debuted during Episode 40 but it is not featured in every show.[18] Many of the fallacies named are taken from the show's "Top 20 Logical Fallacies" list.[19]
"Swindlers List"
Starting on May 21, 2011, Jay Novella talks about a particular scam he has discovered or been told about. The first scam featured in this section was Bidsell.com.[20]
"The Dumbest Thing I Heard All Week"
Steve Novella occasionally recounts a subpar article he read during the past week and explains what is wrong with it.

Theme music

The show's theme music is "Theorem" by the San Francisco rock band, Kineto.[21] The theme was acquired from the Podsafe Music Network. Prior to the November 2, 2005 show, Thomas Dolby's "She Blinded Me with Science" was the show's theme.

Guests

Many Skeptics' Guide episodes contain interviews. Often the interviews feature well-known scientists or skeptics, for instance Massimo Pigliucci or Joe Nickell. Rarely the guests are proponents of fringe or pseudoscientific views. Some episodes have guest rogues, such as Bill Nye, participating in the entire podcast. Notable guests include the following:[22]

Show Date Episode Guest Description
Frequent guest---James RandiA Canadian-American stage magician and scientific skeptic, founder of the James Randi Educational Foundation
Frequent guest---Phil PlaitAn American astronomer and skeptic, former president of the James Randi Educational Foundation, known as "The Bad Astronomer"
Frequent guest---George HrabMusician, skeptic podcaster
Frequent guest---Richard SaundersAn Australian skeptic, podcaster and professional origamist[23]
June 29, 20055Michael ShermerFounder of The Skeptics Society, author of Why People Believe Weird Things[23]
September 7, 2005 12 Steve Milloy Founder of junkscience.com
October 6, 200515Chris MooneyAuthor of The Republican War on Science[23]
July 5, 200650Gerald PosnerAuthor of Case Closed[23]
July 12, 200651Neal AdamsA proponent of the hollow and expanding earth hypotheses[23]
October 4, 200663Michael ShermerFounder of The Skeptics Society, author of Why People Believe Weird Things[23]
December 13, 200673B. Alan WallaceThe president and founder of the Santa Barbara Institute for Consciousness Studies[23]
January 31, 200780TellerOne-half of the illusionist team Penn and Teller[23]
February 7, 200781Adam Savage and Tory BelleciFrom the Discovery Channel show MythBusters[23]
February 15, 200782Christopher HitchensJournalist and literary critic, author of God is not Great: How Religion Poisons Everything[23][24]
February 15, 200782Matt StoneCo-creator of South Park[23]
February 21, 200783Julia SweeneyFormer Saturday Night Live cast member[23]
April 18, 200791Susan BlackmorePhD in parapsychology, skeptic, and author[25]
July 25, 2007105Jimmy Carter39th President of the United States, Nobel laureate[23][26][27]
September 5, 2007111Bill Nye"The Science Guy"[23]
November 14, 2007121Paul KurtzCommittee for Skeptical Inquiry founder and chairman of the Council for Secular Humanism
July 16, 2008156Neil deGrasse TysonAn American astrophysicist and science communicator
August 26, 2008162Richard SaundersAn Australian skeptic, podcaster and professional origamist
October 8, 2008168PZ MyersAn American biology professor at the University of Minnesota Morris (UMM) and the author of the Pharyngula science blog
January 15, 2009182Michio KakuTheoretical physicist
April 22, 2009196Seth ShostakAn American astronomer and senior Astronomer at the SETI Institute
May 13, 2009199Rusty SchweickartAn American Apollo astronaut
October 28, 2009219Mark EdwardMentalist
March 25, 2010245George HrabMusician, skeptic podcaster
August 11, 2010265Rhys MorganTeenage consumer advocate
May 9, 2011304Jon RonsonAuthor of The Psychopath Test
November 19, 2011331Neil deGrasse TysonAn American astrophysicist and science communicator
December 3, 2011333Rhys MorganTeenage consumer advocate
September 8, 2012373Billy WestVoice actor on Futurama and other shows
September 29, 2012376Pamela GayAstronomer and podcaster
October 20, 2012379Jamy Ian SwissClose-up magician
November 17, 2012383Bruce HoodPsychologist and author
December 1, 2012385BanachekMentalist and director of the JREF Million Dollar Challenge
January 5, 2013390Massimo PigliucciPhilosopher and author
January 26, 2013393Zack KopplinEducational activist
March 2, 2013398Jon RonsonJournalist and documentary film maker
May 11, 2013408Don McLeroyCreationist and former member of the Texas State Board of Education
June 22, 2013414Daniel LoxtonIllustrator and editor of Junior Skeptic magazine
June 13, 2013417Paul OffitPediatrician and vaccine advocate
August 10, 2013421Michael E. MannClimatologist
August 24, 2013423Sanal EdamarukuAuthor and founding president of Rationalist International
August 31, 2013424Cara Santa MariaScience communicator
October 12, 2013430Marty KleinSex therapist and author
November 9, 2013434Chris Mooney and Indre ViskontasScience writers and Podcasters
November 16, 2013435Gerald PosnerJournalist and author[28]
December 7, 2013438Susan Gerbic & Tim FarleyFounder of Guerrilla Skepticism on Wikipedia & The creator of WhatsTheHarm.net[29]
January 11, 2014443Mark CrislipMedical doctor and podcaster
January 25, 2014445Karen StollznowLinguist and podcaster
March 1, 2014451Michio KakuPhysicist and science communicator
March 15, 2014453Jennifer OuelletteScience writer
April 5, 2014456James MarstersActor and musician
May 3, 2014460Elise AndrewFounder and maintainer of the "I Fucking Love Science" Facebook page
September 27, 2014481Daniel DennettPhilosopher and cognitive scientist
July 21, 2018680Bill Nye"The Science Guy"[30]
December 15, 2018701Susan GerbicFounder of Guerrilla Skepticism on Wikipedia discussing that project[31]
March 9, 2019713Susan GerbicFounder of Guerrilla Skepticism on Wikipedia discussing New York Times coverage of psychic sting operation on Thomas John[32][33]

Recognition

The Skeptics' Guide won the 2009 Podcast Awards in the "Education" category, and the 2010, 2011, 2012, and 2014 Podcast Awards in the "Science" category.[34]

It was also a 2014 "Dose of Rationality" Top 10 Podcast,[35] and a 2010 Physics.org Best Podcast nominee.[36]

Sponsors and membership

On July 30, 2013, Dr. Steven Novella announced that the SGU would begin offering membership and airing sponsors. Novella went on to say that the money raised would go into funding skeptical activities, including but not limited to, development of skeptical educational content and web-series such as "Occ The Skeptical Caveman". The addition of sponsors is not permanent, according to Novella, they shall be removed "if 4% of listeners support the SGU through membership at an average of the $8 per month level."[37] Though membership has begun, the SGU continues to publish a free weekly sponsored podcast. Membership entitles one to an ad-free version of The SGU, extra content, and discounts to NECSS (The Northeast Conference on Science and Skepticism). Membership range from $4/month to $200/month.[38]

Additional financial support from listeners is provided through Patreon. The SGU has established several goals after achieving a certain number of financial supporters. A major benchmark was reached in 2018 with 3,000 Patreon supporters that sustained enough predictable income for a full-time employee.[4] Other benchmarks include a 12-hour and 24-hour live show after reaching 4,000 and 5,500 supporters, respectively. These live shows may be located on the most complete and accurate reproduction of the Starship Enterprise Star Trek: The Original Series set, which was built by James Cawley and can be seen on the SGU Patreon page introduction video. [4]

SGU 5x5

A companion podcast, The Skeptics' Guide 5x5 (SGU 5x5 for short), described as "five minutes with five skeptics",[39] consist of single-topic episodes which often delve into specific types of logical fallacy.[40] SGU 5x5 did not appear regularly and there were no episodes between January 26, 2011, and February 8, 2012. There have been no episodes released since May 9, 2012.[41]

The Skeptics' Guide to the Universe book
Main article: The Skeptics' Guide to the Universe (book)

The Skeptics' Guide to the Universe: How to Know What's Really Real in a World Increasingly Full of Fake is a 2018 book written by Steven Novella and co-authored by the other current co-hosts of The Skeptics' Guide to the Universe podcast—Bob Novella, Cara Santa Maria, Jay Novella, and Evan Bernstein. It also contains posthumous material from former co-host Perry DeAngelis. The book is meant to be an all-encompassing guide to skeptical thinking. In an interview with The European Skeptics Podcast, Jay Novella describes their approach to writing the book from the "point of view of an alien species observing the earth from a skeptical perspective using critical thinking," reminiscent of the podcast's namesake The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams.[4]

References
  1. Novella S; Roy R; Marcus D; Bell IR; Davidovitch N; Saine A (2008). "A debate: homeopathy—quackery or a key to the future of medicine?". J Altern Complement Med. 14 (1): 9–15. doi:10.1089/acm.2007.0770. PMID 18199017.
  2. Gold PW; Novella S; Roy R; Marcus D; Bell I; Davidovitch N; Saine A (2008). "Homeopathy—quackery or a key to the future of medicine?". Homeopathy. 97 (1): 28–33. doi:10.1016/j.homp.2007.12.002. PMID 18194763.
  3. Smith TC; Novella SP (2007). "HIV Denial in the Internet Era". PLOS Med. 4 (8): e256. doi:10.1371/journal.pmed.0040256. PMC 1949841. PMID 17713982.
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