Susan Gerbic investigates UK performer "Psychic Medium Dean," presenting detailed evidence that he relies on hot reading—researching ticket buyers through direct social media and payment interactions—rather than any paranormal ability. She argues that his methods exploit grief for profit and calls for greater public skepticism and controlled testing to expose such practices.

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https://skepticalinquirer.org/authors/susan-gerbic/

About the Author:

Affectionately called the Wikipediatrician, Susan Gerbic is the cofounder of Monterey County Skeptics and a self-proclaimed skeptical junkie. Susan is also founder of the Guerrilla Skepticism on Wikipedia (GSoW) project. She is a Fellow of the Committee for Skeptical Inquiry, and writes for her column, Guerilla Skepticism, often. You can contact her through her website.

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Skeptical Inquirer Audio Edition is a production of the Committee for Skeptical Inquiry and the Center for Inquiry.

Chris French reviews The Psychology and Science of Pseudoscience by Terence Hines. Rowman & Littlefield, 2025.

Read this article and find accompanying references at:

https://skepticalinquirer.org/2025/12/a-sympathetic-understanding-of-paranormal-beliefs/

About the Author:

Chris French is professor of psychology, Goldsmiths, University of London. His latest book is Anomalistic Psychology: Exploring Paranormal Beliefs & Experience.

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Skeptical Inquirer Audio Edition is a production of the Committee for Skeptical Inquiry and the Center for Inquir

Eugenie Scott recounts an early Bay Area Skeptics sting in which she posed as a blind woman to expose faith healer W.V. Grant's manipulative tactics and exploitation of vulnerable people. Reflecting on the success and limits of pre-internet skepticism, she argues that coordinated action and information sharing remain essential as skeptics confront enduring pseudoscientific scams in the decades ahead.

Read this article and find accompanying references at:

https://skepticalinquirer.org/2025/12/blind-victorias-secret/

About the Author:

Eugenie Scott, a physical anthropologist, is founding executive director of the National Center for Science Education. She is a fellow and member of the Executive Council of the Committee for Skeptical Inquiry.

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Skeptical Inquirer Audio Edition is a production of the Committee for Skeptical Inquiry and the Center for Inquir