Squaring the Strange

Ben Radford, Celestia Ward, Pascual Romero

Booking Overview

This skeptical science and critical-thinking show combines host-led analysis of paranormal claims, pseudoscience, conspiracies, and pop-culture skepticism with occasional interviews featuring authors, investigators, science communicators, and subject-matter experts. Credible pitches include skeptical investigators, fraud specialists, science educators, researchers of folklore or extraordinary claims, and authors with relevant books; booking difficulty is likely medium because the show accepts specialized professionals but generally expects a clear evidence-based angle.

Metrics

Episodes: 299

Frequency: Every two weeks

Rating: 4.7/5.0

Estimated listeners: 1,000 - 10,000

Listener location: USA

Contact Information

Publicly listed emails

celestianward@gmail.com

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Host

Ben Radford - Science writer, skeptical investigator, and author focused on critical thinking, paranormal claims, and evidence-based analysis.

Celestia Ward - Skeptical writer and podcast host focused on critical thinking and extraordinary claims.

Pascual Romero - Podcast host focused on skepticism, critical thinking, and evidence-based analysis.

Booking Intelligence

Booking Requirements

medium

Typical Credentials:

Subject-matter expertise in skepticism, science, paranormal claims, fraud investigation, folklore, science communication, or related popular culture, usually supported by professional practice, public-facing work, or a relevant book or project.

Required Achievements:

Published books or major projects related to science, skepticism, folklore, or extraordinary claims, Professional investigative, educational, research, or science-communication experience, Public work translating evidence-based ideas for general audiences

Recent Guest Discussions

Paul Mattingly - Science Fiction, Critical Thinking, Gullibility, And Skepticism In Popular Franchises.

Andy Taylor - Science Fiction, Critical Thinking, Gullibility, And Skepticism In Popular Franchises.

Bob Nygaard - Psychic Scams, Investigative Methods, Financial Crimes, Victim Support, And Identifying Fraudulent Psychics.

Elizabeth Shreeve - Mythical Creatures, Evolutionary Science, Folklore, Critical Thinking, Imagination, And Using Storytelling To Engage Children With Science.

Recent Topics

Science, Skepticism, Paranormal, Conspiracy Theories, Pseudoscience

Episodes

Here's the recent few episodes on

Squaring the Strange

Episode 290 - Monsters and Cryptozoology Today, with Darren Naish and Sharon Hill

October 10, 2026

First, Ben and Celestia chat about current events involving clowns, Noah's ark, psychics, measles, moon hoaxes, and more. Then we welcome Sharon Hill and Darren Naish, both of whom published books on cryptozoology and monster hunting around a decade ago. We talk about the evolution of that field, including the depletion of actual experts and rise of influencers in their place. Monsters and cryptids have come to represent a sense of community and local pride, artistic and pop culture expressio...

Episode 289 - The Ethics and Worries of AI Writing, with Amy Frushour Kelly

September 26, 2026

After some current events discussion about AI images in real estate and RFK Jr. mentioning chemtrails, we welcome friend of the podcast Amy Frushour Kelly. She's a longtime editor turned AI writing consultant, and has watched what the new models have done to the average editor's workload. We ask some questions on what AI writing means in terms of authenticity, honesty, and contractual obligations. How accurate are the tools that supposedly determine whether something has been written with AI,...

Episode 288 - Dragon Con, 9-11 and Sci-Fi Skepticism with Paul and Andy

September 11, 2026

First, we recount a tiny bit of the beautiful chaos that was Dragon Con. Then, after a few current event tidbits related to 9-11, we are joined by Andy Taylor of Geekshock and (retired Klingon) Paul Mattingly of Matt & Mattingly's Ice Cream Social. With our geeky nerd power tripled, we discuss all flavors of sci-fi and how various franchises have approached critical thinking, gullibility and other skeptic-adjacent topics. Does Kubrick's dense cinematic style attract lovers of conspiracy think...

Similar Podcasts

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Squaring the Strange

The Skeptic Zone · Medium booking difficulty · 1,000 - 10,000 listeners

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The Skeptics' Guide to the Universe · Medium booking difficulty · 100,000 - 1M listeners

Publicly listed emails

celestianward@gmail.com

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