Squaring The Strange

Episode 18: Food Evolution Documentary and Chewing the Fat on GMOs This week Ben, Celestia, and Pascual open with a discussion on what people consider uncanny, bizarre, or strange. What takes something from implausible to downright mysterious? An understanding of statistics is one angle to consider, but ignorance of particular fields is also at work: from the World Trade Center to the pyramids to cancer remissions, people who lack the relevant technical knowledge are the ones gobsmacked by particular events or facts. Headline writers emphasize this “bizarre” aspect without providing context, leading many to jump right to conspiracy theories or supernatural explanations. Then Celestia, back from the 2017 meeting of the Institute of Food Technologists, discusses the new GMO documentary, Food Evolution. The film was funded by IFT but director Scott Hamilton Kennedy was given complete control over topic, content, and approach, and he chose to tackle the human side of the GMO/organic controversy. Kennedy did a b

This week, Ben and Pascual are joined by Andrew Torrez of the Opening Arguments podcast! They chat a bit about misconceptions and controversial ideas in the law. Also, Celstia joins in for a talk about the new Doctor Who and what the public thinks about the change.

This week, Ben and Pascual discuss the Lizard Man of Scape Ore, a legendary creature from the swamps of the American South. Also in this episode, Ben expands on the "Blue Whale" game, which has been haunting his inbox since he first cast skepticism at it.

This week, Ben and Pascual chat a bit about being pedantic, and how it sometimes can be a good thing. Ben is skeptical about some new developments in the "Blue Whale" urban legend, and Pascual takes some sketchy claims about sunscreen and cancer to task. As always, Celestia drops in for another awesome fortune cookie. For our Patrons, we've included a bonus segment at the end of the episode about Amelia Earhart and the current investigation into a mysterious photo that has recently surfaced.  Check out www.patreon.com/squaringthestrange to see all the perks that come with patronage, including the brand new Skepticrate!

This week, Ben and Pascual explore what is considered to be the best case for alien crop circles. Ben questions intuition and Pascual digs into the gross-out story of the week. As always, Celestia swings by with another yummy fortune cookie, AND Squaring the Strange announces the newest Patron perk, sure to be a pleasant surprise!

This week, Ben and Pascual explore the topic of nostalgia and how a good dose of skepticism is needed in how we remember things. Pascual is skeptical about some claims about the nature of sperm and women's bodies and Ben has a chat about the use of the word "terrorism" in the media. Celestia also stops by with a fortune cookie about a much beloved figure in the skeptic world.

This week, the boys dig into a paranormal investigation Ben conducted in Cimarron, NM and what it means for the future of his investigations. Pascual responds to listener feedback, and Ben discusses the book "1984" and how it applies to the world today. Also, Celestia pops in with this week's tasty fortune cookie!

This week, the fellas are joined by our beloved content producer and official STS artist, Celestia Ward to talk about gambling and some various superstitions that surround the pastime. Pascual talks about what he's skeptical about and we also bring you another fortune cookie!

This week, Ben and Pascual explore the nuance of the Hans Christian Andersen classic fairy tale "The Emperors New Clothes". You may think you remember this story, but there are some oft-overlooked twists! Also in this episode, the boys read a piece of fan mail and Celestia cracks into another fortune cookie!

This week, Ben and Pascual talk about the black metal documentary "Until the Light Takes Us" and the events surrounding that dark story. Also, Ben discusses a strong reaction to rumors on the internet, and Pascual sheds some light on a burning question Ben has about heavy metal bands. Celestia also pops by with another skeptical fortune cookie.

This week, Ben and Pascual explore the mystery of the "Popobawa", AKA the skeptic-raping demon of Zanzibar. But first, they throw some shade at Alex Jones and try to make sense of a rather serious claim regarding the Manchester attack. Also in this episode, a new segment by our very own producer Celestia Ward titled "Skeptic Fortune Cookie". You don't want to miss it!

This week, Ben and Pascual explore corroboration bias and all the pitfalls that come with believing something "just because other people do". Also, the boys dig into Boko Haram and audio technology!

This week, Ben and Pascual talk about the history of the infamous Roswell UFO crash of 1947. Ben is skeptical about an online "scare" while Pascual breaks down tattoos and audio science. 

This week, Ben and Pascual continue a two-part series on Jamaican folklore with a tale of Ben's investigation of "duppies" and the most fearsome duppy of all, the Rolling Calf! Also in this episode, a critical analysis of a couple of current news items and a BONUS for Patreon supporters (while supplies last)!

This week, Pascual responds to a listener email, and Ben tells the tale of his research on the White Witch of Rose Hall, a very famous Jamaican ghost! This is part 1 of a 2-part series on Jamaican folklore!

This week, Ben and Pascual dig into psychics and some situations where they cross paths with the law.

This week, Ben and Pascual discuss what current news items they are skeptical about as well as read some fan mail! 

Today Ben and Pascual introduce themselves and the podcast, as well as talk about hoaxes in the spirit of April Fool's Day!