Optimizing the Tools of Our Trade

Optimizing the Tools of Our Trade

Stephen Hupp previews the next issue of Skeptical Inquirer, Volume 50, no. 4, titled "Optimizing the Tools of Our Trade". Read this article and find accompanying references at: https://skepticalinquirer.org/2026/06/optimizing-the-tools-of-our-trade/ [https://skepticalinquirer.org/2026/06/optimizing-the-tools-of-our-trade/] About the Author: Stephen Hupp, PhD, is the executive director of the Committee for Skeptical Inquiry and the editor of Skeptical Inquirer. Subscribe to Skeptical Inquirer: https://skepticalinquirer.org/subscribe/ [https://skepticalinquirer.org/subscribe/]

A Skeptical Approach to Flying Saucers and Aliens

Terence Hines reviews Neil DeGrasse Tyson's new book, Take Me to Your Leader. Read this article and find accompanying references at: https://skepticalinquirer.org/exclusive/a-skeptical-approach-to-flying-saucers-and-aliens/ [https://skepticalinquirer.org/exclusive/a-skeptical-approach-to-flying-saucers-and-aliens/] About the Author: Terence Hines is professor of psychology at Pace University and adjunct professor of neurology at New York Medical College. He is author of The Psychology and Science of Pseudoscience (2025) and a CSI fellow. Subscribe to Skeptical Inquirer: https://skepticalinquirer.org/subscribe/ [https://skepticalinquirer.org/subscribe/]

Houdini and Niagara Falls: How Legends Attach Themselves to Great Men

*]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(--scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(--thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-(--header-height)" dir="auto" data-turn-id="205a0cda-5bd1-44b8-bf3b-f172b757dc3c" data-turn-id-container="205a0cda-5bd1-44b8-bf3b-f172b757dc3c" data-testid="conversation-turn-103" data-scroll-anchor="false" data-turn="user"> *]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(--scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(--thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-[calc(var(--header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]" dir="auto" data-turn-id= "request-699c9d8e-8998-8329-94d7-4ba726badcc0-3" data-turn-id-container= "request-699c9d8e-8998-8329-94d7-4ba726badcc0-3" data-testid= "conversation-turn-104" data-scroll-anchor="false" data-turn= "assistant"> Robert Williams explores the enduring myth that Harry Houdini performed a daring escape at Niagara Falls and shows that, despite its plausibility, no historical evidence supports the story. The article examines how films, museums, publicity, and public expectations can combine to create legends that feel true even when they aren't. Read this article and find accompanying references at: https://skepticalinquirer.org/exclusive/houdini-and-niagara-falls-how-legends-attach-themselves-to-great-men/ [https://skepticalinquirer.org/exclusive/houdini-and-niagara-falls-how-legends-attach-themselves-to-great-men/] About the Author: Robert Williams is a best-selling author, world record holder, and professional magician. He writes the Substack blog Examine Everything, where he takes a thoughtful, skeptical look at the evidence—or lack thereof—behind a wide range of extraordinary claims. Drawing on his background in magic and real-world experience, he reveals the tricks and techniques that drive deception, helping readers think more deeply about what they believe and why. Subscribe to Skeptical Inquirer: https://skepticalinquirer.org/subscribe/ [https://skepticalinquirer.org/subscribe/]

Freshpet Chews on Astrology

Benjamin Radford uses a humorous Freshpet commercial about zodiac signs and pet compatibility to explore the persistence of astrology in popular culture. Read this article and find accompanying references at: https://skepticalinquirer.org/exclusive/freshpet-chews-on-astrology/ [https://skepticalinquirer.org/exclusive/freshpet-chews-on-astrology/] About the Author: Benjamin Radford, M.Ed., is a scientific paranormal investigator, a research fellow at the Committee for Skeptical Inquiry, deputy editor of the Skeptical Inquirer, and author, co-author, contributor, or editor of twenty books and over a thousand articles on skepticism, critical thinking, and science literacy. His newest book is America the Fearful. Subscribe to Skeptical Inquirer: https://skepticalinquirer.org/subscribe/ [https://skepticalinquirer.org/subscribe/]

Right, Let's Talk about AG1

*]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(--scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(--thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-(--header-height)" dir="auto" data-turn-id="8af77e6c-8847-4499-ad9a-01b0d3592c7a" data-turn-id-container="8af77e6c-8847-4499-ad9a-01b0d3592c7a" data-testid="conversation-turn-87" data-scroll-anchor="false" data-turn="user"> *]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(--scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(--thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-[calc(var(--header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]" dir="auto" data-turn-id= "request-699c9d8e-8998-8329-94d7-4ba726badcc0-0" data-turn-id-container= "request-699c9d8e-8998-8329-94d7-4ba726badcc0-0" data-testid= "conversation-turn-88" data-scroll-anchor="false" data-turn= "assistant"> Nick Tiller examines the marketing and scientific claims behind AG1. Read this article and find accompanying references at: https://skepticalinquirer.org/exclusive/right-lets-talk-about-ag1/ [https://skepticalinquirer.org/exclusive/right-lets-talk-about-ag1/] About the Author: Nick Tiller is an exercise scientist and writer covering health, performance, and wellness misinformation. He's the author of The Skeptic's Guide to Sports Science (Taylor & Francis, 2020) and The Health and Wellness Lie (Bloomsbury/Hopkins Press, 2026). He's been a Skeptical Inquirer columnist since 2021 and is an elected Fellow of the Committee for Skeptical Inquiry. www.nbtiller.com [https://www.nbtiller.com] Subscribe to Skeptical Inquirer: https://skepticalinquirer.org/subscribe/ [https://skepticalinquirer.org/subscribe/]