
Chris French
Emeritus professor of psychology at Goldsmiths University, investigating and debunking paranormal claims. Author of "The Science of Weird Shit."
Top 5 podcasts with Chris French
Ranked by the Snipd community

13 snips
Apr 4, 2024 • 19min
The science of ‘weird shit’: why we believe in fate, ghosts and conspiracy theories
Psychologist Chris French discusses the psychology behind paranormal beliefs and conspiracy theories, exploring cognitive biases and evolutionary factors influencing our attraction to supernatural phenomena. The conversation delves into the challenges of changing minds, navigating skepticism, and engaging with believers in debates.

12 snips
Jun 4, 2025 • 1h 25min
Chris French on the Science of Weird Shit
Chris French, Emeritus Professor at Goldsmiths, dives into the fascinating realm of paranormal beliefs and their psychological underpinnings. He discusses his book, which debunks claims like ESP and alien abductions, emphasizing that these phenomena reveal much about the human mind. The conversation also navigates the complex relationship between skepticism and personal experiences, such as sleep paralysis and near-death encounters. French advocates for a nuanced understanding of these beliefs, highlighting their impact on our search for meaning beyond conventional frameworks.

12 snips
Jan 21, 2025 • 17min
Telepathy…what’s the evidence?
Chris French, an emeritus professor of psychology at Goldsmiths University and author of "The Science of Weird Shit," dives into the controversial world of telepathy. He discusses how scientists have rigorously tested claims of mind reading, revealing the reliance on nonverbal signals and subconscious cues. Anecdotal evidence is juxtaposed with skepticism from the scientific community. French also addresses why the allure of telepathy persists despite a lack of solid evidence, and what it could mean for beliefs in psychic phenomena.

5 snips
Aug 29, 2024 • 19min
Summer picks: the science of ‘weird shit’
Chris French, a psychologist renowned for his research on paranormal claims, discusses the allure of ‘weird shit’ in our lives. He dives into the psychology behind beliefs in the paranormal, dissecting cognitive biases that fuel fascination with coincidences and conspiracy theories. French explains how our minds seek rationality in extraordinary experiences and explores why we attribute meaning to seemingly random events. With engaging stories and mental experiments, he unveils the surprising patterns in human thought and belief.

Oct 26, 2024 • 30min
Spooky science: What's behind a paranormal experience?
Join Chris French, an expert in anomalistic psychology and the author of The Science of Weird Shit, alongside Ashley Jane, a friend of paranormal investigators. They dive into the psychology behind ghost sightings and why some of us believe. Discover the influence of personal beliefs on paranormal encounters, and hear humorous tales from a haunted drama school. Explore how our minds interpret eerie events and the balance between skepticism and belief, shedding light on why some find comfort in the supernatural.