The European Skeptics Podcast - The ESP

In Pontus’ absence, András carries the torch this week and tells about Italian electoral abstentions and in TWISH we here about Robert Bunsen, who knew how to burn things with scientific rigor. Then, it’s time for the news:UK: Polls shows public wants religion out of schoolsAUSTRIA / GERMANY: Florian Aigner’s new book out – ‘Die Wirklichkeit ist auch nicht wahr’INTERNATIONAL: Academic Freedom Index on decline worldwideINTERNATIONAL: Wikipedia bans AI-generated contentThe Really Right Award goes to the Ministry of the Interior in Hesse, Germany, for helping its citizens to fight conspiracy theories.Enjoy!https://theesp.eu/podcast_archive/theesp-ep-525.htmlSegments:0:00:27 Intro0:00:51 Greetings0:03:25 TWISH0:07:15 News0:16:48 Really Right0:18:52 Quote0:20:25 Outro0:21:47 Outtakes Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Despite the bleak outlook we see in the news, science and critical thinking is still a thing. In the UK, Sense about Science is recruiting and in Toulouse, France, there is a great festival coming up in April. In TWISH we revisit the legacy of Erik Weisz, aka Harry Houdini, and then we have a look at the news:INTERNATIONAL: Funeral rights for non-believersNETHERLANDS: Senior journalist’s fall over falling for AI hallucinationsEUROPE / USA: Europe actively recruits researchers struggling under Trump / Ig Nobel prizes moving to SwitzerlandGERMANY: Old tricks back on the rise as gas prices soarReform UK and the UK Conservative party are fueling disinformation regarding the general public's view on net zero emissions, and for that they are Really Wrong.Enjoy!https://theesp.eu/podcast_archive/theesp-ep-524.htmlSegments:0:00:27 Intro0:00:52 Greetings0:10:55 TWISH0:20:59 News0:43:58 Really Wrong0:47:18 Quote0:48:40 Outro0:50:02 Outtakes Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

General elections in Hungary are coming up and it’s going to be nasty. We get some listener feedback and we were on an video interview for Skeptical Inquirer. TWISH looks to Tesla’s famous “free energy” patent which was filed 126 years ago, and finds that in doesn’t promise free energy at all (chocker!). Then we look to the news:UK: Survivors of Ireland’s mother and baby homes face benefit cuts in UK after accepting compensationGERMANY: Campaign against fluoride in toothpaste seems to be a marketing strategy rather than citizen initiativeINTERNATIONAL: AIDS denialism on the riseGERMANY: Germanic New Medicine seems dangerously popularWho’s Quacking? this week looks to Norway and finds Anders Haakenstad, a clinical exercise physiologist and health expert who spreads unproven doubts about chemo therapy for cancer and vaccines.Enjoy!https://theesp.eu/podcast_archive/theesp-ep-523.htmlSegments:0:00:27 Intro0:00:51 Greetings0:13:49 TWISH0:25:06 News0:50:10 Who's Quacking?0:55:11 Quote0:56:56 Outro0:58:19 Outtakes Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week we have an interview with author and nuclear advocate Zion Lights.Enjoy!https://theesp.eu/podcast_archive/theesp-ep-522.htmlSegments:0:00:33 Intro0:00:56 Greetings0:07:05 Interview0:47:09 Farewell0:51:34 Outro0:52:57 Outtakes Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Even in a world on fire with yet another big war there are glimmers of light such as the upcoming Festival of Humanism in Bournemouth in June. In TWISH we hear about some of the most common myths about Michelangelo, and then we take a look at the news:EU: Vaccine update: EMA recommends approval of Moderna’s combined flu/covid vaccine and more good news regarding HPV vaccinationGERMANY: Fake vaccinations currently under investigationUK / WALES: Follow-up: Assisted dying in the UK and WalesINTERNATIONAL: Lessons from the latest Freedom of Thought ReportThe Really Wrong Award goes to unnecessary supplements for middle-aged men (they don’t do much for other people either…)Enjoy!https://theesp.eu/podcast_archive/theesp-ep-521.htmlSegments:0:00:27 Intro0:00:50 Greetings0:05:51 TWISH0:19:51 News0:45:46 Really Wrong0:50:03 Who's Quacking?0:53:44 Quote0:55:11 Outro0:56:34 Outtakes Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In a very special skeptical Canadian extravaganza, we are joined by the fabulous Adrienne Hill as guest host for the show. A very special treat! In TWISH we look into the fourth anniversary of Putins’ invasion of Ukraine, and how disinformation has been used as weapon in the war. Then, we dig into the news:UK: Racial Slurs shouted at the Bafta Awards by a guest who has Tourette SyndromeNORTHERN IRELEND: Getting closer to repeal blasphemy lawHUNGARY: Pediatrician in custody after faking vaccination certificatesITALY: Crotchgate at the Olympics. Can injecting Hyaluronic Acid into genitals help ski jumpers’ distance?NETHERLANDS / SWEDEN: Dutch seller of bogus medicine uses AI deep fakes and Swedish bank for legitimacyINTERNATIONAL: Safe spaces or innovation killers? Macron’s AI showdown in DelhiThe Really Wrong Award goes to circumcision for non-medical reasons on children who cannot consent, after a baby dies of sepsis for no good reason.Enjoy!https://theesp.eu/podcast_archive/theesp-ep-520.htmlSegments:0:00:27 Intro0:00:53 Greetings0:12:20 TWISH0:22:56 News1:08:41 Really Wrong1:14:57 Quote1:16:05 Outro1:17:27 Outtakes Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Just like his uncle, even the Prince of Wales (William, that is!) cannot entirely stay out of the Epstein-files, as his charity gets tangled up in it. In TWISH we take a look at famed Giordano Bruno to see if he was truly a skeptic or more of a trouble make (admittedly, you can be both). Then we have the news:UK: More than 60 children infected in north London measles outbreakAUSTRIA: Group of scientists on how difficult it is to try to uphold scientific standardsINTERNATIONAL: Climate change confusion?INTERNATIONAL: Study finds deepfake to be alarmingly prevalentOn the same topic as two weeks ago, the Really Wrong Award goes to the UK education system for their very questionable religious education syllabus, while the Humanists UK get the Really Right Award for fighting back.Enjoy!https://theesp.eu/podcast_archive/theesp-ep-519.htmlSegments:0:00:27 Intro0:00:52 Greetings0:09:46 TWISH0:19:07 News0:41:30 Really Wrong / Really Right0:45:54 Quote0:47:43 Outro0:49:06 Outtakes Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We start by wishing for fast trains and maglev transportation in Europe – much better for the environment than air travel. Because even if we have had a rather cold January here in Europe, Copernicus tells us that we are still warming the globe in a reckless pace. In TWISH we remember István Vágó on what would have been his 77th birthday. Vágó was the first president of the Hungarian Skeptics and also a TV personality specializing in quiz shows and a famous promoter of the virtue of facts. Then, we turn to the news:UK: Only 4 of 66 ‘statin side effects’ are actually from the drug itselfHUNGARY: Meta fails to filter political ads, Tisza fails to use statistics correctlySWEDEN: Exorcism in SwedenUK: Young people fearful of false claims and AI misleading votersSWEDEN: Murder of Olof Palme: Attorney General has some explaining to doRussia is now so short of labor and soldiers due to their invasion of Ukraine that they use any means to lure foreigners to sign up as cannon fodder. For that, and for ruining not just Ukraine but also Russia itself, Vladimir Putin (again) gets the Award for being Really Wrong.Enjoy!https://theesp.eu/podcast_archive/theesp-ep-518.htmlSegments:0:00:27 Intro0:00:51 Greetings0:07:46 TWISH0:18:34 News0:52:11 Really Wrong0:54:53 Quote0:57:05 Outro0:58:27 Outtakes Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This is an oddly positive episode with a lot of good news, who could foresee that? But do us a favor and help Skeptical Science with your translation skills (link in the show notes)! In TWISH we dig into the cannibalism that is Christianity with a look into the legend of St Agatha.Then, it’s time for the news:SWEDEN: Gaming addiction risk greatly exaggeratedEUROPE: Council of Europe calls for ban on conversion therapiesUK: Gen Z churchgoing is actually still decliningPOLAND: MMS use strongly discouraged by scientist based on latest researchSWEDEN: COVID-19 vaccination carries no association with childbirth rates in SwedenINTERNATIONAL: AI safety report indicates we’re not doing enoughJaved Love is a teacher in Northern Ireland who is exercising his right not to spread religious beliefs in the classroom. For that he is Really Right!Enjoy!https://theesp.eu/podcast_archive/theesp-ep-517.htmlSegments:0:00:27 Intro0:00:51 Greetings0:06:22 TWISH0:17:40 News0:54:17 Really Right0:57:32 Quote0:59:21 Outro1:00:44 Outtakes Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Canada’s Mark Carney could possibly be a role model for our European leaders, and the Swedish Bar Association agrees with our criticism of putting children in prison. In TWISH we hear of Emanuel Swedenborg, a great polymath of the Enlightenment who somehow turned into a religious mystic. Then it’s time for the news:RUSSIA: The Ukraine war has given rise to an ‘exorcism economy’ in RussiaUK: The current status and concerns of the proposed ban on social media for under 16sSPAIN / SWEDEN: More immigrants, please!Spain to regularise 500,000 undocumented migrantsSwedish Communes say they want more immigrants – for the community and added workforceINTERNATIONAL: So, where do we actually stand on microplastics?UK: Bigfoot has crossed the pondThe Really Wrong Award goes to the UK House of Lords, where a few unelected persons are somehow allowed to filibuster the Assisted Dying Bill.Enjoy!https://theesp.eu/podcast_archive/theesp-ep-516.htmlSegments:0:00:27 Intro0:00:53 Greetings0:10:45 TWISH0:28:07 News1:00:57 Really Wrong1:05:35 Word of the Week1:06:54 Quote1:08:18 Outro1:09:40 Outtakes Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

English may not be our first language but we are willing to learn! Hungarian nuts with a nationalist agenda would like you to believe in made up history, including that Jesus spoke Hungarian, and other nonsense. And they are getting a foot in at schools… In TWISH we hear about Joseph Justus Scaliger who took on historical chronology in a revolutionary way back in the 16th century. Then, it’s time for the news:SWEDEN: Religious teacher used exorcism against special needs studentsUK: Fake AI doctors endorse weight loss patches on social mediaGERMANY: Changes in German beliefs in pseudoscienceTÜRKIYE: Technobabble papers by professor and editor under scrutinyThe Faculty of Law in Lund gets a Really Right Award for speaking up against an unscientific and fact resistant new legal reform.Enjoy!https://theesp.eu/podcast_archive/theesp-ep-515.htmlSegments:0:00:27 Intro0:00:51 Greetings0:08:58 TWISH0:21:47 News0:46:48 Really Right0:53:02 Quote0:54:20 Outro0:55:42 Outtakes Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2025 was the third hottest year on record, but that hardly even makes the news. In TWISH we hear about the science communicator Jacob Bronowski, and then it’s time for the news:VATICAN / RUSSIA / USA: The Vatican offered Maduro safe way to RussiaSWITZERLAND: Erich von Däniken dead at 90AI: Followup from last week: Google removes some AI overviewsEU: Authorities do not even open international alerts about medical misconductSWEDEN: Linda Karlström, Confounderer of the year 2020, loses court appealSWEDEN: Enlightener and Confounderer of the year 2025UK: Vaccination schedule changed for the betterThe Really Wrong Award goes to WHO for continuously promoting the idea that traditional “medicine” should be integrated in modern health care.Enjoy!https://theesp.eu/podcast_archive/theesp-ep-514.htmlSegments:0:00:27 Intro0:00:50 Greetings0:02:43 TWISH0:11:11 News0:44:30 Really Wrong0:49:49 Quote0:50:58 Outro0:52:20 Outtakes Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We have to rant about Trump and Venezuela for a bit, but to take our minds off that, we turn to TWISH and hear about the discovery of the Galilean moons, found by (who could have guessed?) Galileo.Then it’s time for the news:UK: Google AI Overviews put people at risk of harm with misleading health adviceHUNGARY: University of Pécs course on gene therapies lists mRNA COVID vaccines as such – that’s wrong!UK: Hot-reading Psychic Medium DeanSusanne Bügel of Copenhagen University gets the Award for being Really Right for her work to inform the public about the issues with multi-vitamin pills. Then we get two different Words of the Week – Besserwisser and Lagom.Enjoy!https://theesp.eu/podcast_archive/theesp-ep-513.htmlSegments:0:00:27 Intro0:00:49 Greetings0:10:19 TWISH0:23:14 News0:39:14 Really Right0:44:38 Word of the Week0:47:08 Quote0:48:44 Outro0:50:06 Outtakes Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to the new year! Obviously we start with some reflections on 2025 and we also give a shout-out to Haley Stevens and her article about Wikipedia in the Skeptic UK. In TWISH we learn that the practice of New Year’s resolutions is ancient although each resolution seldom lasts longer than a week or two. Then we look into the news for this week:INTERNATIONAL: Five lessons from fact checking in 2025ITALY: Lega only party refusing to agree not to use deepfake to attack political opponentsSWEDEN: Fact check: How Sweden uses imported trash to produce electricity and heat homesINTERNATIONAL: Review of Autism Therapies finds they don’t hold upUK: Robin Ince quits The Infinite Monkey CageUK: Use of AI for emotional support alarmingly widespreadThe EU Chat Control 2.0 regulation is meant to prevent the spread of child abuse material but gets the Really Wrong Award for being ineffective and because it would have very serious effects on integrity. It’s a well meaning by bad idea.Enjoy!https://theesp.eu/podcast_archive/theesp-ep-512.htmlSegments:0:00:27 Intro0:00:51 Greetings0:22:32 TWISH0:27:56 News0:59:16 Really Wrong1:02:39 Quote1:05:02 Outro1:06:25 Outtakes Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Merry Christmas everyone! This is an episode unlike any other in the ESP history, hope you will enjoy it!See you again in 2026!Segments:0:00:27 INTRO0:00:50 GREETINGS0:05:11 FACT CHECKERS0:08:39 REASON TELLS0:12:11 FAREWELL0:14:11 OUTRO Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this week’s TWISH we take a look at the most skeptical saint, Doubting Thomas – not that we feel that he got everything right. In the news today we take a look at the following:INTERNATIONAL / SWEDEN: Rising nicotine addiction in teensHUNGARY: GP about to leave practice due to harassment from antivaxxersSWEDEN: Breast cancer patients turn away from conventional treatment despite 93% survival ratesINTERNATIONAL: Liam Neeson narrates anti-vaccination pseudo-documentaryA bunch of contrarians that call themselves BMTIG insists that there must be a conspiracy behind the sinking of the MS Estonia – no matter how much the facts say otherwise and for that they ar Really Wrong.Enjoy!https://theesp.eu/podcast_archive/theesp-ep-510.htmlSegments:0:00:27 Intro0:00:51 Greetings0:05:33 TWISH0:17:29 News0:52:12 Really Wrong1:07:40 Quote1:09:17 Outro1:10:40 Outtakes Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Rage bait is the Oxford Word of the Year and that cannot be a a good sign of the times we live in. In TWISH we acknowledge the genius of Ada Lovelace while recognizing that she had some flaws as well, especially when it came to phrenology and mesmerism… Then we take a look at the news:EU: Proposal to allow plants modified using CRISPRHUNGARY: Government campaigns against opposition party with fake election programINTERNATIONAL: Influencers promote bogus health adviceUK: Persuasion through chatbots leads to inaccurate assessmentsThis week’s Really Right Award goes to researcher Rebecca Sear for her commitment in tracking down all studies based on the infamous National IQ database.Enjoy!https://theesp.eu/podcast_archive/theesp-ep-509.htmlSegments:0:00:27 Intro0:00:52 Greetings0:11:45 TWISH0:24:03 News0:53:12 Really Right0:59:37 Quote1:01:56 Outro1:03:18 Outtakes Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We discuss science communication by the ECDC re vaccinations and have some listener feedback about Dr Who, before with dive into TWISH which this week is about a pioneer of modern chemistry, Martin Heinrich Klaproth. Then of course, there’s the news:INTERNATIONAL: E-trade via dropshipping – the scam has many levelsUK: ChatGPT’s dangerous mental health guidance raises skeptical red flagsSWEDEN: So-called ‘virginity checks’ now finally illegalTÜRKIYE: Case study shows risks with chiropracticThe Green alliance in Germany reverses their stance on homeopathy thanks to the work by Cedrik Schamberger and for that, he deserves the Really Right Award. Well done!Enjoy!Segments: Intro; Greetings; TWISH; News; Really Right; Quote; Outro; Outtakeshttps://theesp.eu/podcast_archive/theesp-ep-508.html Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We start by noting that COP30 was pretty disappointing although we are not too surprised. On another, more positive side, Michael Frass‘ terrible study claiming that homeopathy can help in cancer treatment finally has been retracted! Also, get your flu vaccines, everyone.In TWISH we hear how António Egas Moniz invented lobotomy and was awarded one of the most controversial Nobel prizes for it, but also why it cannot be retracted. Then, we go to the news:SWEDEN: People die of breast cancer after choosing alternative treatmentsEUROPE: Eurobarometer Survey 2025: science, skepticism, and the battle against misinformationINTERNATIONAL: Freebirthing is a deadly scam and a griftHUNGARY: Political ads on Google and Facebook are over – or are they?The Really Wrong Award goes to Steiner schools, that thankfully are in decline. A Really Right Award goes to the EU Court of Justice for affirming that also same-sex marriages have to be recognized throughout the union.Enjoy!Segments:0:00:27 Intro0:00:51 Greetings0:12:40 TWISH0:22:27 News0:59:46 Really Wrong / Really Right1:03:33 Quote1:05:06 Outro1:06:28 Outtakes Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week celebrates the launch of Dr Who way back in 1963, the longest running TV-show in history, and a special favourite for many skeptics. For the news we look into the following:INTERNATIONAL: Updated evidence for Covid-19, RSV, and influenza vaccinesHUNGARY: Parliament votes to issue general ban on artificial meat productsRUSSIA / UKRAINE: Every fifth Russian believes the sun revolves around the earthNETHERLANDS: Vaccine skepticism linked to trust in institutions and susceptibility to misinformationWe hand out a Really Right Award to the Swedish Government for removing state support for Jehovah’s Witnesses and in Who’s Quacking? we examine the pseudoscience of Spanish neuroscientist Álex Gómez Marín.Enjoy!https://theesp.eu/podcast_archive/theesp-ep-506.htmlSegments:0:00:27 Intro0:00:51 Greetings0:07:11 TWISH0:22:28 News0:44:01 Really Right0:47:55 Who's Quacking?0:55:37 Quote0:57:05 Outro0:58:28 Outtakes Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.