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Skeptipalooza: Science and Skepticism in Seattle - September 12-14, 2025

Skeptipalooza 2025 was the second annual gathering of skeptical-minded folks who believe in the scientific method. Skeptipalooza is sponsored by the Seattle Skeptics and Science Enthusiasts and the Committee for Scientific Inquiry (Publishers of the journal Skeptical Inquirer).

The conference featured talks from Susan Gerbic, visiting from California, who is known for her work on Guerrilla Skepticism on Wikipedia, and her work with “Grief Vampires” She is a fellow on the Committee for Skeptical Inquiry.

Also attending was Brian Dunning, visiting from Oregon, host and producer of the Skeptoid Podcast, the author of seven books, and writer and producer of the documentary films The UFO Movie THEY Don't Want You to See (2023), Science Friction (2022), and Principles of Curiosity (2017)

Skeptipalooza a combination of social activities and public talks about skeptical and scientific thinking presented by a mix of local and nationally recognized speakers. All are welcome to attend any or all of the events.

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Video recordings of some of our guest presentations can now be enjoyed on youtube!

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLOLuPSpJ8b1FsMRilBX9uf0mi406yTbRS

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Friday, September 12

Coffee at Green Lake Starbucks

Skeptical Stroll around Green Lake.

Dinner and socializing at Razzi’s pizza in Greenwood

Friday Presentations:

  • Scot Bastian, PhD: Introduction to the Conference and “What is Skepticism?”

  • Susan Gerbic: Interactive workshop on “Skepticism and Empathy” 

 

Saturday, September 13

Coffee at Green Lake Starbucks

Saturday presentations:
Green Lake Library 

  • Dan Green: Skeptical Junk Food: Outrageous and Wacky Ideas from the Wilds of the Internet

  • Craig Foster, PhD: We’re Missing the Bus: Skepticism and Public Education

  • Erin Coté: Storytelling for Optimism around Global Challenges

  • David Frank, MSc: How to Market Tobacco (Despite Those Pesky Advertising Bans)

Lunch Break

Gates Foundation Guided Tour

Dinner and socializing

 

Sunday, September 14

Coffee and socializing

Sunday presentations:
Southwest Branch of the Seattle Public Library

  • Brian Dunning: My Visit to Area 51

  • Susan Gerbic: Guerrilla Skeptics of Wikipedia and Mediumship

  • Josh Studor: Special Rights for Some: How SCOTUS Made Christians a Privileged Legal Class

 Lunch Break

  • Pat Pilcher: The Mount St. Helens Eruption

  • Scot Bastian, PhD: Schrodinger’s Embryos: The Legal and Ethical Status of the Leftovers from In Vitro Fertilization

Stroll to the Lincoln Park Troll

Dinner and socializing

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Please note: This event is not hosted, sponsored, or endorsed by The Seattle Public Library. Any views that are discussed in this meeting are not a reflection of The Seattle Public Library’s views.