The Skeptics' Guide to the Universe

Running since 2005 with over 1,100 episodes, The Skeptics' Guide to the Universe is one of the longest-running science podcasts and one of the most consistent. Dr. Steven Novella hosts a rotating panel that includes Bob Novella, Jay Novella, Evan Bernstein, and Cara Santa Maria, and together they dissect the week's science news through the lens of critical thinking and scientific skepticism. The format is panel discussion with recurring segments: science or fiction, news items, interviews with researchers, and listener questions. Episodes run about 80 to 90 minutes and release biweekly. The show carries a 4.7-star rating from over 6,000 reviews. What makes the SGU valuable as a learning tool is that it does not just report on science — it teaches you how to evaluate scientific claims yourself. The panel regularly breaks down logical fallacies, cognitive biases, and the mechanics of bad research design. Steve Novella is a Yale neurologist, and his ability to explain complex medical and scientific topics without dumbing them down is a genuine skill. The family dynamic between the Novellas adds personality without derailing the content. If you want a podcast that strengthens your ability to think clearly about evidence, this one has been doing it longer than almost anyone.