Massimo Polidoro traces the cultural climate of the 1970s and the early encounters with figures like Uri Geller that convinced skeptics such as James Randi and Ray Hyman that organized scientific scrutiny was urgently needed. The article reveals how informal conversations and failed "psychic" research helped ignite what would become CSICOP and, ultimately, the modern skeptical movement.

Read this article and find accompanying references at:

https://skepticalinquirer.org/2025/12/the-spark-that-started-csicop/

About the Author:

Massimo Polidoro is an investigator of the paranormal, author, lecturer, and co-founder and head of CICAP, the Italian skeptics group. His website is at www.massimopolidoro.com.

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Adrienne Hill reviews the best-selling novel Here One Moment by Liane Moriarty. Crown, 2024.

Read this article and find accompanying references at:

https://skepticalinquirer.org/2025/12/a-flight-of-fancy-about-psychic-predictions-and-probabilities/

About the Author:

Adrienne Hill, a former high school mathematics teacher, currently dedicates her time to various roles and interests. She serves as a board member for the nonprofit organization About Time, founded by Susan Gerbic. Additionally, she holds positions as a board member, presenter, and educational consultant for the Tourette OCD Alberta Network. Hill actively contributes as an editor for Guerrilla Skepticism on Wikipedia, reports for The Skeptic Zone podcast, and cochairs the Western Canadian Reason Conference (WeCanReason), which is held in Calgary, Canada, at the beginning of May each year. Her website is https://www.zonegiggler.ca/.

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

Stephen Hupp reflects on the founding of CSICOP in 1976 and the emergence of The Skeptical Inquirer, tracing fifty years of organized skepticism rooted in open-minded inquiry rather than reflexive debunking. The article previews a commemorative issue highlighting key figures, landmark investigations, and the movement's lasting impact, culminating in plans to celebrate the anniversary at CSICon 2026 in Buffalo.

Read this article and find accompanying references at:

https://skepticalinquirer.org/2025/12/fifty-years-of-inquiry/

About the Author:

Stephen Hupp, PhD, is Executive Director of the Committee for Skeptical Inquiry (CSI) and editor of Skeptical Inquirer. He is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist and professor of Clinical Child & School Psychology at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville.

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