Skepticality
Skepticality is the official podcast of The Skeptics Society's "Skeptic" magazine. Beginning in May 2005, the podcast explores rational thought, skeptical ideas, and famous myths from around the world and throughout history. Each episode is an audio magazine featuring regular segments by contributors who are specialized in specific areas of critical thought followed by featured content which is usually in the form of an interview with a researcher, author, or individual who is helping promote skeptical thought and/or science in an effective way. It has featured interviews with James Randi, and scientists, such as authors and astronomers Phil  Plait and Neil deGrasse Tyson, Greg Graffin from "Bad Religion", Adam Savage from the "MythBusters", songwriter Jill Sobule, author Ann Druyan and science communicator Bill Nye. "Skepticality" is co-hosted by Derek Colanduno and "Swoopy" Robynn McCarthy. The last released episode is from 28 August 2019. History. The concept and the name "Skepticality" were created in May 2005 by Robynn McCarthy and Derek Colanduno, after the two became friends in Las Vegas. At the time, Colanduno was working at a national Sports Radio network and a privately owned Alternative Rock Station (KEDG) during the overnight shift. Skepticality gained notability on  September 7, 2005 during a keynote address, when Apple CEO Steve Jobs mentioned it as one of the top nine podcasts at the iTunes Music Store. On August 14, 2006, "Skepticality" became "Skeptic" magazine's official podcast. Recurrent guests. The show has a number of guests who have been featured on more than one show. Amongst them are James Randi, Phil Plait, Pamela Gay and skeptical musician George Hrab. Asteroids. In an interview with Derek during the June 1, 2006 episode of "Slacker Astronomy", the naming of Asteroids 106545 Colanduno and 106537 McCarthy was announced to the world. The asteroids  were named in homage to the hosts of "Skepticality" by their discoverer Jeff Medkeff, who said, "My naming of these asteroids for you is a token of my esteem for you and your accomplishments." Awards. In 2007, "Skepticality" was recognized for excellence in podcasting with the Best Speculative Fiction News Podcast award at the Parsec Awards and Best Science Podcast award at the Podcast Peer Awards, selected by registered fellow podcasters. Both presentations were made at Dragon*Con 2007 in Atlanta, Georgia. On November 22, 2007, the "Skepticality" podcast was listed as "Site of the Week" on SciFi.com's "Sci Fi  Weekly". On August 9, 2008, "Skepticality" was named "Podcast of the Week" by "The Times". In April 2014, "Skepticality" received the Ockham Award at QED for Best Podcast. The award was accepted on behalf of Derek and Swoopy by Susan Gerbic.