Pascual Romero - Podcast Details

Shows

Squaring the StrangeEpisode 253 - Pascual's farewell and the Berkshire UFO Abduction IncidentNo, Pascual did not get abducted by a UFO ... but neither did three kids in 1969, we're pretty sure. We have Pascual back to explain how his podcasting sabbatical has turned into a retirement, alas. Then we discuss how fluoride is connected to addiction and crime rates, some alternatives to the CDC for accurate public health information, and the viability of reopening Alcatraz as a prison. Our main topic is a ufo abduction incident that occurred on Labor Day weekend 1969 in Massachusetts ... or perhaps (as Ben suggests) the real "incident" occurred in 2018? Three kids were allegedly taken into alien crafts...2025-05-101h 30

Desayuno con romanceTraducción editorial con Leire García Pascual¿Sabías que detrás de cada flechazo literario extranjero hay una traductora rompiéndose la cabeza para que Cupido acierte en español? Pues quédate porque nuestra invitada nos desvela los secretos (y los dramas) de la traducción editorial.Hoy desayunamos con Leire García Pascual (@respirandofrases en Instagram), traductora editorial de inglés y francés e intérprete en eventos literarios con autoras extranjeras.Hemos hablado de cómo empezó en el sector editorial como traductora e intérprete, qué hace con los juegos de palabras, las expresiones intraducibles y las referencias cul...2025-05-0957 min

Squaring the StrangeEpisode 241 - Wildfire Conspiracies with Gail de VosThis week Pascual is back, talking to Celestia about the Onion's purchase of Info Wars, shady testosterone offers, and a list of things we maybe should be worried about as Trump rounds out cabinet picks. Then Ben welcomes Gail de Vos, author of the just-released Watkins Book of Urban Legends, to talk about wildfire conspiracy theories in Canada. The politically charged stories that spring up in her home of Alberta, Canada resemble conspiracies that have followed wildfires everywhere -- Texas, California, Hawaii, and even ancient Rome! Why does fire often make people think something more sinister than nature is...2024-11-221h 37

Tal día como hoy...Tal día como hoy 11 de mayoHoy en nuestro podcast, vamos a hablar del 11 de mayo de 1916 día que nació Camilo José Cela, autor de una de las obras más impactantes y crudas de la literatura española del siglo XX: 'La familia de Pascual Duarte'. En esta ocasión, exploraremos los oscuros rincones de la mente de Pascual Duarte, un hombre atrapado en un ciclo de violencia, miseria y fatalismo, que refleja las duras condiciones de vida de la España rural de principios del siglo XX, y en particular, de la Extremadura profunda. A través de la voz de Pascual, Cela nos mues...2024-10-1324 min

Tal día como hoy...Hablando con Antonio González Nogales de la Familia de Pascual Duarte¡Hola bienvenidos a un nuevo programa de “Hablando con…” que como sabéis es una sección del podcast Tal día como hoy! En el programa de hoy estamos con Antonio Gonzáles Nogales y vamos a hablar de la Familia de Pascual Duarte, libro de Camilo José Cela que se publicó en 1942 y que me gustaría que nos sirviera para conocer, y aprender de una tierra y sus gentes a la vez que damos un repaso a una de las novelas más importantes de la literatura española, novela que ocupa un lugar privilegiado entre las 100 mejores novelas...2024-09-1523 min

Squaring the StrangeEpisode 230 - Pseudoarchaeology and Misinformation in Chicano Studies, with Kurly TlapoyawaFirst, Ben and Celestia discuss the epidemiology of extreme heat, mysterious mololiths redux, the latest Real Water lawsuit, and the origins of a 50-year-old rumor about Mama Cass. Then Pascual joins us to interview Kurly Tlapoyawa -- stunt man, filmmaker, archaeologist, and cohost of "Tales from Azlantis." He tells us about cutting through jungles in Belize to do "ground-truthing" with LiDAR, the strange origin of the "Hunab Ku" image, tour guides, Olmec heads, and "The Four Disagreements." Kurly and Pascual also trade stories and see who they know in common from their Hollywood days, from Troma movies all the...2024-06-281h 39

Squaring the StrangeEpisode 224 - A Grab Bag of Springtime SkepticismWe chat about several topics in the news recently, from a bright streak of burning space junk over Los Angeles to a very realistic crucifixion reenactment in the Philippines. Ben unravels a weeping Madonna story in the tabloids that also casts some shade on a prominent Italian skeptic, then he gives us his review of "Late Night with the Devil," set in the 1970s and complete with a nod to the late Amazing Randi. Pascual and Celestia talk about DEI's increasing role as a boogeyman, and try to figure out how some legislators seem to believe it brought down...2024-04-051h 14

Gregorio y la Paloma39- La Vigilia Pascual"Gregorio y la Paloma" es el podcast del Canto Gregoriano. Hace un año, más o menos, escuchamos los cantos del Domingo de Pascua, o Pascua de Resurrección, pero nos faltaba la Vigilia Pascual. Pues este es buen momento, porque el domingo pasado, según las fechas en que pongo los episodios en ivoox, fue Pascua. Y la Vigilia es una ceremonia especia, una misa con bastantes añadidos, y algunos cambios a lo largo del tiempo. Vamos a conocer la Vigilia de hoy en día, y la que fue antes de las reformas. Si te interesa el Can...2024-04-0445 min

Squaring the StrangeEpisode 222 - Modifying the WeatherFirst, Pascual and Celestia hit recent science news -- a sideways lunar landing, some male-on-male humpback whale action, and recent cell outages. Then Ben and Celestia look at weather modification, from prayer and superstition to very real cloud-seeding efforts. Though in practice almost everywhere for generations, this technology still surprises and confuses people, who lump it in with conspiracies about precise weather control by some all-powerful cabal . . . using a decommissioned array of antennas in Alaska?2024-03-091h 20

Squaring the StrangeEpisode 219 - Ai yie yie! AI Roundtable with Kyle PolichWe've had this scheduled for a while, but this week AI popped up in the news twice, impersonating George Carlin and Joe Biden, so what better time for a skeptical look at artificial intelligence! Kyle Polich of the long-running Data Skeptic Podcast joins Ben, Celestia and Pascual to talk about different sorts of AI. From generative AI threatening writers and artists to the kind of AI that can help scammers manipulate people -- or even put human lives in peril if it goes wrong. How much of an AI panic are we witnessing right now, and what sort of...2024-01-261h 43

EL LADO HUMANO DE LAS VENTAS40. “HAZTE VISIBLE” Con Juanma Romero (Director y Presentador del Programa EMPRENDE de RTVE)¡Ya tienes aquí la entrevista completa con Juanma Romero! Y te confesaré que me siento una vez más, muy feliz y tremendamente agradecido. Hoy te traigo al “Lado Humano de las Ventas” a un Periodista Impresionante. Hoy te traigo a Juanma Romero. - Licenciado en Periodismo por la Universidad Complutense de Madrid - 40 Años de Experiencia profesional - 30 Años en RTVE -Ha sido director de informativos del canal 24 H -Director de los desayunos de RTVE - (+ 10 años DIRECTOR Y PRESENTADOR DEL PROGRAMA EMPRENDE DE RTVE, que por cierto es elprograma de televisión más premiado. -La organizac...2023-12-281h 22

EL LADO HUMANO DE LAS VENTAS39. AVANCE – “HAZTE VISIBLE” Con Juanma Romero (Director y Presentador del Programa EMPRENDE de RTVE)¡Ya me tienes por aquí otra vez! Y te confesaré que me siento una vez más, muy feliz y tremendamente agradecido. Hoy te traigo al “Lado Humano de las Ventas” a un Periodista Impresionante. Hoy te traigo a Juanma Romero. - Licenciado en Periodismo por la Universidad Complutense de Madrid - 40 Años de Experiencia profesional - 30 Años en RTVE -Ha sido director de informativos del canal 24 H -Director de los desayunos de RTVE - (+ 10 años DIRECTOR Y PRESENTADOR...2023-12-2211 min

Noticiero 2.9NOTICIERO 2.9 Matutino Lunes 31 de Julio de 2023 con Lizeth Romero y Ramón Tiscareño🔴REFUERZAN EL OPERATIVO “BLINDAJE AGUASCALIENTES” LA SECRETARÍA DE SEGURIDAD PÚBLICA ESTATAL Y MUNICIPAL 🔴REALIZARÁ GOBIERNO OBRAS IMPORTANTES EN EL FRACCIONAMIENTO LA RIVERA. ADEMÁS, SE INAUGURÓ UNA PLAZA COMUNITARIA PARA MEJORAR EL ENTORNO SOCIAL 🔴LA GOBERNADORA DE AGUASCALIENTES, TERE JIMÉNEZ, FIRMÓ UN CONVENIO DE COLABORACIÓN CON MÁS DE 200 ORGANIZACIONES DE LA SOCIEDAD CIVIL 🔴OFRECE MUNICIPIO ATENCIÓN ESPECIAL EN SALUD MENTAL PARA ADOLESCENTES 🔴ESTUDIANTES DE LA UTA VIAJARÁN A FRANCIA GRACIAS A BECAS DE MOVILIDAD 🔴LLEVARON A CABO OPERATIVO DE LIMPIEZA EN EL ARROYO DON PASCUAL ESTE FIN DE SEMANA 🔴CON UN GRAN ÉXITO CON LA PRESENTACIÓN DE PEQUEÑOS...2023-07-311h 20

Noticiero 2.9NOTICIERO 2.9 Vespertino Viernes 21 de Julio de 2023 con Jaqui López y Ramón TiscareñoDEMANDAN MANIFESTANTES QUE SE MODIFIQUE LA LEY PARA CASTIGAR A MENORES DE EDAD POR MALTRATO ANIMAL. POR LO PRONTO, YA LEVANTARÁN EL PLANTÓN A LAS AFUERAS DEL CONGRESO RESPONDE EL FISCAL A FAMILIARES DE LOS HIDROCÁLIDOS DESAPARECIDOS EN ZACATECAS. JESÚS FIGUEROA DEJÓ EN CLARO QUE EL CASO NO ES DE SU COMPETENCIA, PERO ESTÁ COLABORANDO CON LA DEL VECINO ESTADO PRESENTAN LA APP “DENUNCIA DIGITAL” PARA QUE CIUDADANOS PUEDAN LEVANTAR DENUNCIAS DESDE SU CELULAR SIN TENER QUE IR AL MINISTERIO PÚBLICO Y PARA AGILIZAR LA ATENCIÓN DARÁN TABLETS A 100 POLICÍAS HOY ESTARÁ EN AGUA...2023-07-2157 min

Noticiero 2.9NOTICIERO 2.9 Matutino Viernes 21 de Julio de 2023 con Lizeth Romero y Ramón TiscareñoFAMILIARES DE LOS 4 HIDROCÁLIDOS DESAPARECIDOS EN ZACATECAS CERRARON VIALIDADES EN DEMANDA DE UNA RESPUESTA DE LAS AUTORIDADES DE AQUEL ESTADO YA HAY 7 ASPIRANTES INSCRITOS PARA LA PRESIDENCIA DEL SISTEMA ESTATAL ANTICORRUPCIÓN CONTINÚA LA VISITA A AGUASCALIENTES DE ASPIRANTES A LA PRESIDENCIA. ESTA TARDE VENDRÁ MANUEL VELASCO DEL PVEM YA ESTÁ LISTA LA APP STOPBUS PARA CONOCER EN TIEMPO REAL UBICACIÓN DE LAS RUTAS DE CAMIONES URBANOS EL PRD HARÁ UNA ESCUELA DE INFLUENCERS EN AGUASCALIENTES PARA FORMAR NUEVOS POLÍTICOS HOY SE LLEVARÁ A CABO EL EVENTO DEL CROQUETÓN EN FICOTRECE A LAS 5 DE LA TARDE LL...2023-07-2130 min

Squaring the StrangeEpisode 204 - Of Submersibles and CybermythsCelestia and Pascual infodump about the OceanGate submersible, gallows humor and what public science and engineering lessons have been circulating in the wake of that implosion. Then we take a journey into cybermyths versus real cybersecurity concerns, under the guidance of our resident tech hero, Pascual. From "juice jacking" to phishing to rubber duckies, we go over some hacker history and a few technology-fueled urban legends.2023-06-301h 45

Squaring the StrangeEpisode 201 - Miraculous ChimayoAfter some discussion of Ed Sheeran's day in court, and then Celestia's day in Calgary for the WeCanReason conference, Pascual and Ben take us on a nostalgic and investigative journey through Chimayo, a small town in New Mexico. Why do 30,000 penitent pilgrims travel here each year? Can the dirt here heal people? Pascual walks us through the tale of a mysterious buried crucifix and Ben details his effort to investigate one man's story of a miraculous healing that took place over fifty years ago.2023-05-191h 18

Gregorio y la Paloma18 - El Tiempo PascualEn "Gregorio y la Paloma" hoy tratamos sobre el Tiempo Pascual, las semanas que siguen y prolongan las festividades de la Pascua de Resurrección. Son muchos días, así que hacemos un paseo por algunas de sus piezas de Canto Gregoriano. Si te interesa la idea de este canal, síguelo cada dos semanas: en jueves alternos sale un episodio nuevo. Suscríbete para no perderte ninguno. Si te gusta, dale un "like", pinchando el corazoncito 💚 o el pulgar arriba 👍 (arriba o abajo de la pantalla...). Y no olvides compartirlo con los amigos a los que le guste el Canto Grego...2023-05-0428 min

Squaring the StrangeEpisode 189 - "AI Cryptid" Loab and Lesser-known Lake MonstersFirst Pascual and Celestia examine a mysterious woman "haunting" AI art, dubbed "Loab." Then we dip into a selection of the less famous lake monsters. There are literally hundreds. We talk about how they've spawned from either high-profile sightings/photos or questionable “news” stories from the period of yellow journalism. And even how some people have claimed copyright over a few of them for merchandising purposes! From Champ’s cousin George (who lives, predictably, in Lake George) and Tahoe Tessie to Lake Erie Larry and the Canadian monsters Cressie and Memphre, we'll go over eye-witness reports and what themes emerge...2022-12-051h 18

Humanity TsukuruHumanity Part 1 - Pascual RomeroOur first episode begins with Pascual Romero, a man of many connections and a diverse portfolio of experiences. Our discussion kicks off the series with questions about growing up, feeling through the hard times, and some of the little victories that came from finding a way to make it through.2022-11-071h 17

Squaring the StrangeEpisode 186 - Our Scary FavoritesFirst, Pascual and Celestia puzzle over Ben's location and discuss a few places in Vegas that skeptics might like to see while they attend CSI Con. Then we celebrate the nearly $1 billion judgment against Alex Jones and look into a minor (non)mystery about a ghost boat from WWII appearing in a California lake. Our main topic this week is a look back at our favorite scary episodes, and why they creep us out.2022-10-201h 18

Disc Read ErrorHere's the Thing About Top 5 MoviesThe dudes talk about each of their top 5 movies! And a bunch of other stuff 2022-09-192h 25

Disc Read ErrorHere's the Thing About Top 5 GamesThis week, the boys wax nostalgic about their top 5 games. And other stuff 2022-09-192h 19

Disc Read ErrorHere's the Thing About PreyThe dudes talk about that good-ass movie Prey! And some other stuff.2022-09-052h 12

Disc Read ErrorHere's the Thing About Being Here, Being There, Being Every F**king WhereThe boys have a mixed bag today with a wonderful lovefest around a little show called Ted Lasso. They also just talked about too much stuff to list here.2022-08-222h 06

Disc Read ErrorHere's the Thing About NostalgiaNostalgia. What is it? Why does it taste so good? What's the secret sauce? Does it have eleven herbs and spices? Nobody will ever know. But what they will know is that the marvelous men of magic hosting Disc Read Error are feeling a feeling and that feeling is nostalgia. From movies to TV to video games to music, these boys have a case of it.2022-07-181h 41

Disc Read ErrorHere's the Thing About SegaThe dudechachos get down and dirty with some serious Sega nostalgia this week. Top 3's are the name of the game this week, or maybe Kellen didn't get the memo. After that, let's wrap up Stranger Things!2022-07-181h 49

Disc Read ErrorHere's the Thing About Love and ThunderThis week, our intrepid lads spoil the crap out of Thor: Love and Thunder! Who's team love? Who's team thunder? Who's here, who's there, who's every-f***ing-where?Find out this week on Disc Read Error 2022-07-181h 55

Disc Read ErrorHere's the Thing About Streets of RonaThe boys caught the 'Rona and decided to have a livestream. Hilarity ensues 2022-07-181h 15

Squaring the StrangeEpisode 179 - Deviant Death Rites and Bizarre BurialsThis week, as we await Pascual's time-out due to COVID, Ben and Celestia look into strange burial practices over the ages. With a peppering of pop culture here and there, we hear from Ben on medieval ways to keep your relatives from leaving their graves, from wooden stakes to mouth bricks to even the origins of headstones! Then we look into the Enlightenment and Victorian era and fears of being buried alive, as well as two very recent cases where families feared that had happened. Finally, Celestia takes a look at the surprising practicality of sky burials in the...2022-07-151h 37

Disc Read ErrorHere's the Thing About Our First Episode 2022-06-202h 21

Disc Read ErrorHere's the Thing About Dr. Henry WuThe boys talk about Jurassic World: Dominion and a bunch of other random stuff. You should listen because SPOILER: It's mixed.2022-06-202h 29

Disc Read ErrorHere's the Thing About EverythingYou know, I had to wait to upload this and forgot what it was about. You know why? Because we talk about everything in it! Enjoy!2022-06-201h 54

Disc Read ErrorHere's the Thing About MaverickThis week, the boys start with the conversation around difficulty in games. Why is a game too difficult? Should every game have difficulty settings? Then they discuss their recent preview viewing of Top Gun: Maverick. Spicy details abound and they do head into spoiler territory, so be warned! Last, the dudes wrap with a discussion around what they've been watching/playing/reading/thinking about. Enjoy!2022-05-252h 01

Disc Read ErrorHere's the Thing About Doctor StrangeToday's a hefty boi of an episode, officially clocking in at longer than the new Dr. Strange movie! But we won't just be talking about Weird Guy, MD. We've got lots to cover, from what games we're playing to what TV shows we're watching!2022-05-082h 33

Squaring the StrangeEpisode 174 - A Musical History of the DevilAfter a few words on current events, Pascual takes us on a tour of tales about Old Scratch influencing music. Whether he's giving free violin lessons, defending himself in court, or even hanging out with Anton LaVey and Sammy Davis Jr., the devil has a longstanding relationship with music of all types.2022-05-061h 14

Disc Read ErrorHere's the Thing About TV Shows (Best of 2021)In this episode, the crew talks about their top 5 favorite TV shows of 2021. Spoiler alert: It's all the 1991 America's Funniest Home Videos recap show.2022-01-1843 min

IL CAPO CANNONIERETiermaker CENTRALES MÁS CAROS de la HISTORIA: MAGUIRE, DE LIGT, VAN DIJK... | ¿Mejor y peor fichaje?Las llegadas de Ben White al Arsenal, de Raphael Varane al Manchester United, del "Cuti" Romero al Tottenham o de Dayot Upamecano al Bayern de Münich están suponiendo, no solo un terremoto en este mercado de fichajes, si no en la lista de los centrales más caros de la historia. En las últimas semanas se están produciendo movimientos muy interesantes en el mercado de los defensores centrales, pero que, sobre todo, están moviendo una gran cantidad de dinero. Así que no podíamos dejar pasar por alto un vídeo de este calibre. Vamos a mojarnos...2021-08-1715 min

Squaring the StrangeEpisode 150 - Mysterious Masked MusiciansPascual leads us on a romp through the myriad masked musicians of our time (and a few before our time), and we discuss the benefits and reasons why some performers prefer to remain incognito even during their entire careers. We start with a legendary Parisian performer from a hundred years ago who was brought to life by a writer who drew on current rumors and ghost lore to weave his story. Then, from the Residents to Buckethead and even urban legends about Dolly Parton, we answer the burning question of who among these internationally famous performers can go to...2021-06-111h 12

Squaring the StrangeEpisode 147 - Brian Regal and the Secret History of the Jersey DevilFirst, Pascual notices an uptick in unrelated, inflammatory Facebook threads in the wake of the Chauvin trial, and we get a refresher on troll-spotting. Then Prof. Brian Regal joins us to look at the complicated social history of the Jersey Devil. There's more to this creature than meets the eye, and Brian helps us unravel the seeds of American independence, the religious persecution and the misogyny behind the legend. We also hear about a very unfortunate kangaroo and a band of armed sideshow performers.2021-04-301h 08

Squaring the StrangeEpisode 146 - 666, the Number / Mark of the BeastBen looks into a TikTok-fueled panic about sex trafficking abductions in Target stores, then we move to our main topics, the Mark of the Beast and the Number of the Beast, aka 666. From ambiguous or even invisible marks on accused witches hundreds of years ago to ambiguous or even invisible ways our technology "marks" our commerce, the Satanic fears of some 666-fearing individuals have been going on a long time. Masks and the Covid-19 vaccine are merely the latest in a string of things labelled as the Antichrist's calling card. Pascual rounds us out with some notes on Iron...2021-04-161h 15

Squaring the StrangeEpisode 142 - Crankery and Notable CranksBen, Celestia, and Pascual help define what makes a crank a crank, and we look into the history of this concept. Then we bring a couple of examples we think illustrate textbook cranks and why they aren't just laughable, they can do some real harm. From selling spiritual self-help books and snake oil to trying to legislate a wrong value for Pi, cranks have a long and storied history in America.2021-02-191h 11

Squaring the StrangeEpisode 139 - 2020 Hindsight!Yay, 2020 is over! This bonus episode is a casual, nonscripted, barely outlined roundtable with Ben, Celestia, and Pascual as we go through how this year affected us both personally and in terms of skeptical outreach. Then we chat about our favorite episodes. We shall return to our normal squaring of strange topics next week!2021-01-1559 min

Squaring the StrangeEpisode 137 - Musical Legend Grab BagFirst, Celestia recounts a couple of spooky incidents she's experienced during the pandemic. Then we look at a handful of music-related urban legends, folklore, and peculiarities. Ben brings some surprising information about the Pied Piper of Hamelin, which turns out to have threads of history woven into its folklore tapestry. Pascual and Ben discuss the Satanic rumors that surrounded guitarist Robert Johnson, and we look into a studio scream that launched many lurid urban legends. As a finale, we take a quick tour of pop culture references and origins for the scatological-sounding "brown note."2020-12-251h 14

Squaring the StrangeEpisode 135 - Investigative Skepticism with Kenny BiddleBen, Celestia, and Pascual discuss the otherworldly monolith that's popped up in a remote part of Utah, and Ben shares another in his series of "used book mysteries," this one perfectly timed for the election. For our main segment, we have a lengthy discussion with newly minted CFI fellow (and just plain jolly good fellow) Kenny Biddle. Ben and Kenny bring up some of their investigative heroes, lay out some principles of skeptical investigation, and tell us why they have a passion for digging into cold-case mysteries. Good advice to be had for anyone who wants to sharpen their...2020-11-272h 03

Squaring the StrangeEpisode 132 -Pop Music Plagiarism, from Vanilla Ice to Alien GlobolinksIn this episode Pascual takes the helm and brings us some audio goodies to puzzle over. Several lawsuits have resulted over pop songs that are too similar to each other, and while some are cut and dry, others tread into that weird, philosophical territory of "what is originality, anyway?" Are we all a necessary, determinate product of our creative influences? Are notes but simple ingredients that can only be combined a certain number of ways, so we should expect recurrent themes in music on a cyclical basis? We go from pop music to the much, much older operas and...2020-10-161h 21

Squaring the StrangeEpisode 128 - ¡Feliz Cumpleaños, el Chupacabra!First, Ben, Pascual, and Celestia discuss the recurring social media uproar about why something isn't being covered by the media, as well as the recent public concern over disappearing mailboxes. Then for our main segment, Ben celebrates the 25th anniversary of his favorite cryptid beastie, the chupacabra, and we examine it's past, present, and future as a legend. Ben digs into his original notes about the very first sighting, and shows us some interesting discrepancies that are always overlooked in the chupacabra lore.2020-08-211h 25

Behind The GrindEpisode #3 - Renato PascualRenato Pascual speaks about how grateful he is to be with KOTC and where it all started 2020-08-1428 min

Squaring the StrangeEpisode 124 - Antifa as an Emergent PanicAfter some discussion on a few current events that resulted in quick debunkings, Ben, Pascual, and Celestia take a close look at what could be real-time formation of a social panic. Antifa has all the hallmarks of a propped-up paper tiger used by some as a political tool, and by others as a social boogeyman. We look at the coverage, the rumors, the Trump tweets, the implications, and the real statistics. How has the reputation of this nebulous non-organization caused harm? Plus we look into the price of bricks versus hippie crystals and the best state to register a...2020-06-261h 20

Squaring the StrangeEpisode 120 - Emery Emery on Science FrictionFirst, Ben, Celestia, and Pascual discuss a few pandemic-related things that set off some skeptical alarms over social media this past week. Then we are joined by Southern California-based comedian and film editor Emery Emery to talk about his soon-to-be-released project with Brian Dunning. With the help of many science communicators and experts (Ben himself among them), Emery and Dunning have crafted a documentary called Science Friction, revealing the myriad ways experts have been manipulated, maligned, and misrepresented by producers of questionable documentaries. 2020-05-011h 16

Squaring the StrangeEpisode 118 - Our Third Anniversary! (While Sheltered in Place)For anyone who has been craving an episode with far less research, facts, or formality, this is the episode for you! Ben, Pascual, and Celestia, reflect on their various circumstances during the coronavirus national emergency, and then we talk about this, our third year in podcasting. We dish on past guests and future guests we have in the works, answer a couple of listener questions, and Ben quizzes Pascual about the finer points of air guitar. Enjoy the podcast--it's almost as fun as other people!2020-04-031h 20

Squaring the StrangeEpisode 93 - Grab Bag!We have several short topics this week, starting with a few news items of interest. Pascual brings us a reasoned look at 5G network coverage and how it will (and won't) impact us once mobile carriers switch over. Ben looks at one of the few "scientific" reviews of ghost EVP, and what could have improved the quality of the study. Then Celestia talks about cat folklore and a mishmosh of cat-related woo that's been peddled by well-meaning shelters who want to help get cats adopted. To round up our satchel of skepticism, Ben investigates a tangential miracle that may...2019-05-311h 37

Squaring the StrangeEpisode 82 - Grab Bag 2018Ben, Celestia, and Pascual take a romp through a bunch of 2018's more memorable skeptical moments. From a new iteration of the Mechanical Turk to deadly rumors in India to a resurgence of Geocentrism, there's plenty to go around. We go over some of the more notable passings, and Ben lists some of his favorite episodes from the past year.2019-01-041h 03

Squaring the StrangeEpisode 80 - Harold Camping's Apocalypse CountdownPascual is back, and we discuss a free-roaming placenta found in the Canadian woods last week. Then we bring in award-winning filmmaker Erik Kristopher Myers to discuss one of his favorite doom-sayers, Harold Camping. What convinced so many followers that End Times were upon us back in 2011? Erik discusses Camping's similarities to a cult leader as well as his business model, both of which contributed to his surprising reach. Ben entertains us with a few other apocalyptic prophesies from earlier days, and we examine the psychology of what happens to believers and prophets alike after these predictions fail. 2018-12-071h 16

Squaring the StrangeEpisode 73 - Skeptical BurnoutThis week we start with an announcement and then a look at a Bridezilla tale and a psychic mountain lion encounter. Then Ben, Celestia, and Pascual discuss skeptical burnout, a phenomenon that hits almost every skeptic at some point. What makes us susceptible to this kind of exhaustion, and how can we best fight against it? We all share some stories and outlooks.2018-08-311h 19

Squaring the StrangeEpisode 71 - The Brown Recluse and ArachnopanicWe start with a look at some so-called logos unveiled as a fundraiser and compare them to NASA's logo to see how a real Space Force manages branding. Then Pascual, our resident spider-apologist, schools us on the brown recluse, possibly the most feared spider in America. We'll look into the many things regularly mistaken for recluse bites, as well as why people seem more willing to assume (and advertise) they've been bitten. And we'll also dip into some spidery folklore and urban legends! 2018-08-1755 min

Squaring the StrangeEpisode 68 - Going Wild with Animal AbilitiesCelestia opens with a mea culpa and introduction, then is joined by Ben and Pascual to talk about some mysterious abilities animals are said to have. We look into a few things you might not know about that famous horse Clever Hans, as well as a lesser-known "psychic horse" named Lady Wonder. And then we look into evidence and rumors about how some animals might sense earthquakes, as well as a viral panic about Yellowstone's volcano triggered by a photo of jogging bison. 2018-07-261h 03

Squaring the StrangeEpisode 64 - Butterfly Kisses with Erik Kristopher MyersThis week, Ben and Celestia chat with Erik Kristopher Myers, writer, director, and actor in the new found-footage horror movie "Butterfly Kisses," featuring Ben and Pascual on the Blu-Ray audio commentary! 2018-06-291h 11

Squaring the StrangeEpisode 59 - Music Myths with Kyle Konkiel of Bad WolvesThis week, our crew is joined by Pascual's good friend Kyle Konkiel of the band Bad Wolves, the heavy metal band currently topping the charts with their cover of the Cranberries classic "Zombie". Kyle steps in to help us break down famous (and infamous) music myths that you may or may not have heard of. We also discuss Kyle's band and their new record as well as touch in on their releasing of the song "Zombie" in the wake of the untimely death of Cranberries' vocalist Dolores O'Riordan, who was slated to perform on the Bad Wolves version.2018-05-241h 19

Squaring the StrangeEpisode 56 - Search, Research, and Re-Research!First, Ben looks at some opinions passing for news about the Cosby verdict, then Pascual schools us on the real history behind Cinco de Mayo. For our main topic, the whole gang pitches in for a talk about research: what IS research, what ISN’T research, and helpful hints that will benefit everyone from the laziest Googler to the most intrepid of investigators. Wikipedia, Snopes, and your local library all have a role to play, as do real live experts.2018-05-041h 27

Squaring the StrangeEpisode 54 - School Shooting Conspiracy Rumors and the People That Perpetuate ThemThis week, Ben unpacks a particularly curious moment in a Herzog documentary, and then we get to our main topic. Our trio dives deep into the world of school shooting conspiracies, especially around Sandy Hook. Ben uses real information to battle the wild rumors that many people seem to believe about the nature of these events and the roles of the people involved. Just as the episode was finished, BREAKING NEWS about Sandy Hook came to light and Pascual was able to punch a quick update in before air.2018-04-201h 08

Squaring the StrangeEpisode 53 - Going Guerrilla with Susan GerbicQUICK NOTE: The online recording software we used for Matt's interview did something wonky to our audio for a moment. Pascual spent the last few hours making it sound better (believe us, it sounded worse) and we think it's good enough for the few short questions that it affects. Thank you for bearing with us on this. This week, the boys bring Susan Gerbic in to chat about all things skeptical, but most importantly, her organization "Guerrilla Skepticism on Wikipedia", a great group of people whose mission is to improve skeptical content on Wikipedia. But...2018-04-131h 11

Squaring the StrangeEpisode 52 - Strangerversary Spectacular!This week, Pascual brings in some information on California’s Prop 65 and what it really means to say that coffee causes cancer. Does a proliferation of warning signs do the opposite of what lawmakers intended, and is there a better way? We read some listener emails and answer questions, reflecting on the evolution of the show after one year. We chat about topics that made us proud, made us nervous, or made us giggle like little schoolgirls—as well as some potential future topics, like the royal family being coelacanths (or is it lizard people?).2018-04-061h 28

Squaring the StrangeEpisode 51 - Lookin' for Loot in All the Wrong PlacesWe start with Mad Mike Hughes and his flat-earth-funded rocket. Then we talk treasures: hiding them, hunting them, and passing along rumors of them! Treasure hunting is rife with folklore and sometimes danger. People seeking riches have trespassed, committed crimes, and even died. Celestia talks about murdered casino magnate Ted Binion’s buried vault and rumors of more treasure. Then Pascual and Ben discuss Santa Fe eccentric Forrest Fenn, who claims he hid a treasure you can find with clues in a poem. Finally, we dig into Arizona’s legendary Lost Dutchman Mine.2018-03-301h 23

Squaring the StrangeEpisode 50 - Adventures in BoogeysittingFirst, Pascual is skeptical of mutating astronaut DNA, and looks closely at the media misinterpretation of a recent NASA press release. Then the gang discusses various ways that folklore is used to control behavior—a trick used on children and sometimes on the general public, too. We look closely at the Hispanic ghost La Llorona, a frightening tale that keeps children away from flood-prone river banks in New Mexico, and then some of her even scarier cousins, the Japanese kappa, who seem to have a fixation on human butts and cucumbers. Then all the way up in Iceland we me...2018-03-231h 07

Squaring the StrangeKuchisake-OnnaThis week, Ben and Pascual dig into the legend of Kuchisake-Onna, aka the Slit-mouthed Woman. From the origins of her terrifying story to the modern day pop culture references, the guys explore every creepy detail. Also in this episode, Ben is skeptical of what makes something fictional "problematic" and just how serious the implications are. Link: Pascual references a webcomic, which actually turned out to be a Korean one that has similarities but is not the slit-mouthed woman. Warning: Jump scares. http://comic.naver.com/webtoon/detail.nhn?titleId=350217&no=31 2018-02-161h 00

Squaring the StrangeThe Miraculous StaircaseWhile Pascual recovers, Ben and Celestia discuss outrage over the hypothetical new product “Lady Doritos.” Then we go over Ben’s investigation of a staircase in Santa Fe said to have been built by Saint Joseph in answer to the prayers of the Sisters of Loretto. Lacking a central support, the stairs are the focus of several legends and are said to have no scientific explanation. Upon systematic examination, and with the help of dogged historian Mary Straw Cook, Ben unravels the mystery and gives credit to a long-dead carpenter.2018-02-081h 07

Squaring the StrangeGood. Bad. I'm the Guide With the Tour.First, Ben looks at current failures of intuition and psychics. Then we take a skeptical look at tour guides! Tours straddle a line between entertainment and education, and tour guides happily embellish local legends and lore as time goes on. We welcome special guest Cindy Boyer from the Landmark Society of Western New York and chat about ghost tours. Pascual confesses to teenaged transgressions, and Ben recounts an egg-balancing lesson with a tour guide in Ecuador.2018-01-191h 25

Squaring the StrangeBro-Science with The Credible HulkThis week, Ben and Pascual kick off the first half of the "New Years Resolution" series where they look at woo in the gym. Just in time for your resolution, The Credible Hulk joins our hosts to walk us through some of the myths and misconceptions that run rampant in the bodybuilding/gym world.2017-12-281h 16

Squaring the StrangeThe Importance of ReplicationThis week, Ben, Celestia, and Pascual discuss the importance of replication in everything from skeptical inquiry to scientific experimentation. Pascual is also skeptical about a certain reason for the season, and Celestia has another fortune cookie for us.2017-12-141h 15

Squaring the StrangeThis is an Outrage!!!This week, Ben and Pascual talk about the phenomenon of outrage, especially on the internet. They break down some classic outrage from the last year and even have an update on a big story from last year! Celestia also stops by with another tasty fortune cookie. Wish Background Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/2017-11-301h 12

Squaring the Strange"They" Divide and ConquerThis week, our boys break down the idea that the government is out to divide us. Ben is skeptical of psychics and Pascual chats about a flat-earther who is going to prove the earth is flat. Celestia pops in with a great fortune cookie as always!2017-11-2346 min

Squaring the StrangePractical SkepticismThis week Ben, Pascual, and Celestia have a roundtable discussion on the practical aspects of everyday life as a skeptic. Boots-on-the-ground skepticism efforts include social media presence, etiquette, and tactics; picking your battles; and knowing when you need your own little echo chamber for sanity’s sake. Keeping a salon discussion from devolving into a flame war is always the goal, but can anything be gained by out-and-out fighting? Ben talks about the importance in his own investigation work of listening to believers and walking the tightrope of helping them without alienating them. In real life, picking at the cl...2017-11-171h 06

Squaring the StrangeOur Skeptic HeroesThis week, Ben and Pascual are joined by Celestia to discuss their skeptic heroes! Also, a heroic fortune cookie!2017-11-1053 min

Squaring the StrangeHalloween Horrors and HoaxesThis week, Ben and Pascual dissect the myths and misunderstandings that surround Halloween. From tainted candy to evil predators, our boys take a bite out of these spooky Halloween treats so you don't have to! Also in this episode, Ben brings us another tale from the road!2017-11-021h 17

Squaring the StrangeBad ClownsFor week 3 of our spooky Halloween series, Ben, Celestia and Pascual delve into the spooky and fascinating topic of evil clowns. Ben talks about all the different kinds of evil clowns, Celestia tells a tale of her experience with a bad clown of her own, and Pascual makes obscure pop culture references throughout. Also in this episode, Pascual breaks down a new conspiracy theory with the help of our two co-hosts.2017-10-261h 28

Squaring the StrangeGhost Lovin'Buckle up for part 2 of our Squaring the Strange Halloween series! This week, our spooky hosts bring us an exciting adventure into the tantalizing world of ghost sex. From celebrity spectral affairs to unwanted advances from the other side, Ben and Pascual look into the cases and the facts. 2017-10-1958 min

Squaring the StrangeLive from the Apocalypse!This week, our boys are live at the New Mexico Podscape Festival. First, Ben dissects cryptozoology and how natural disasters come into play. Then, our strangers delve into the newest end times prediction and talk about the history of these claims. Last, Pascual digs into one of our favorite woo-peddlers, Gwenyth Paltrow, and her newest product. Celestia also stops in with a great Fortune Cookie!2017-10-0556 min

esRADIOJuanma Romero promociona Guiaburros para autónomos de Borja PascualJuanma Romero, director y presentador del programa Emprende en el canal 24h de RTVE, promociona Guiaburros para autónomos de Borja Pascual en los estudios de esRADIO 2017-10-0302 min

Squaring the StrangeAllegedly PsychicWhile Pascual tends to his offspring, Ben and Celestia discuss a recent story about a waitress being allegedly stiffed due to her pride tattoo. They go through numerous similar stories, some hoaxed, and discuss whether this is becoming a modern-day folk tale. Faked stories undercut and blur real issues, and writing a story around a mere Facebook post has become a recurring journalistic failure. Pascual steps back in for our main topic, a lively discussion on “alleged psychic” John Edward, as Ben and Celestia recount what they observed at a live performance. We go through cold reading and pivoting tech...2017-09-171h 23

Squaring the StrangeNever Sleep AgainThis week, Ben and Pascual explore the oft-horrifying phenomenon of sleep paralysis. After watching the documentary "The Nightmare", our hosts decided it would be apt to talk about sleep paralysis, particularly because Pascual has a long history of first-hand experience. Also in this episode, Ben discusses EVP and Pascual is skeptical of a product that protects people from radio frequencies in the air. Celestia stops by with a very magical fortune cookie as well!2017-08-311h 10

Squaring the StrangeDeadly Urban LegandsThis week, Ben and Pascual explore how urban legends can sometimes turn dangerous and even deadly. From the unintended consequences of rumor to what happens when people believe too strongly, the boys take us on a journey through the dreadful outcomes when people become a bit too credulous regarding urban legends. Also in this episode, Celestia opens another fun fortune cookie packed with some extra firepower.2017-08-241h 08

Squaring the StrangeChewing the Fat on GMOsEpisode 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 theo...2017-08-101h 09

Squaring the StrangeLegal Skepticism with Andrew TorrezThis 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.2017-08-031h 22

Squaring the StrangeEpisode 16 - The Lizard Man of Scape OreThis 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.2017-07-271h 12

Squaring the StrangeEpisode 15 - In Defense of PedantryThis 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 th...2017-07-201h 05

Squaring the StrangeEpisode 14 - Stonehenge Surprise: The Best Case for Crop CirclesThis 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!2017-07-131h 14

Squaring the StrangeEpisode 13 - Uphill Both WaysThis 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.2017-07-061h 08

Squaring the StrangeEpisode 12 - The Mirror in the Last Haunted HouseThis 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!2017-06-291h 06

Squaring the StrangeEpisode 11 - Gambling Superstitions with CelestiaThis 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!2017-06-221h 00

Squaring the StrangeEpisode 10 - Of Emperors and ClothesThis 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!2017-06-1559 min

Squaring the StrangeEpisode 9 - Until the Light Takes UsThis 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.2017-06-081h 09

Squaring the StrangeEpisode 8 - Popobawa-da-vidaThis 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!2017-06-011h 23

Squaring the StrangeEpisode 7 - Stop, Corroborate and ListenThis 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!2017-05-251h 29

Squaring the StrangeEpisode 6 - Roswell That Ends WellThis 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. 2017-05-181h 22

Squaring the StrangeEpisode 5 - The Rolling CalfThis 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)!2017-05-111h 26

Squaring the StrangeEpisode 4 - The White Witch of Rose HallThis 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!2017-05-041h 08

Squaring the StrangeEpisode 3 - PsychicsThis week, Ben and Pascual dig into psychics and some situations where they cross paths with the law.2017-04-271h 01

Squaring the StrangeEpisode 2 - What Are We Skeptical About?This week, Ben and Pascual discuss what current news items they are skeptical about as well as read some fan mail! 2017-04-201h 15

Squaring the StrangeEpisode 1 - HoaxesToday Ben and Pascual introduce themselves and the podcast, as well as talk about hoaxes in the spirit of April Fool's Day!2017-04-131h 18